Expanding the use of administrative claims databases in conducting clinical real-world evidence studies in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Administrative claims databases provide a wealth of data for assessing the effect of treatments in clinical practice. Our aim was to propose methodology for real-world studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) using these databases.

Research Design And Methods: In three large US administrative claims databases: MarketScan, PharMetrics Plus and Department of Defense (DoD), patients with MS were selected using an algorithm identified in the published literature and refined for accuracy.

Improving patient-physician dialog: commentary on the results of the MS Choices survey.

Achieving good long- and short-term adherence to treatment for chronic diseases is important if patients are to gain the full benefits of treatment. Several barriers to adherence in multiple sclerosis (MS) have been identified and the healthcare team should work with patients to help them to overcome these obstacles. The MS Choices survey explored patient and physician perspectives on key aspects of MS diagnosis, treatment adherence, and disease management with the aim of improving understanding of the factors that influence patient behavior regarding treatment adherence.

The MS Choices Survey: findings of a study assessing physician and patient perspectives on living with and managing multiple sclerosis.

Background: Treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) can reduce relapse frequency and delay disability progression. Although adherence to DMDs is difficult to measure accurately, evidence suggests that poor adherence is common and can compromise treatment success. There are likely to be multiple factors underlying poor adherence.

A new electronic device for subcutaneous injection of IFN-β-1a.

Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) can provide important benefits for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but nonadherence to treatment is associated with an increased risk of relapse. All first-line DMDs used in MS require regular injection, but injection-related problems are common barriers to treatment adherence. Autoinjectors that allow automatic injection at the press of a button have increased the ease and convenience of injection, compared with manual injection.

Impact of exposure to interferon beta-1a on outcomes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: exploratory analyses from the PRISMS long-term follow-up study.

Objective: To explore the effects of exposure to subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN) beta-1a on efficacy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) enrolled in the PRISMS (Prevention of Relapses and disability by Interferon beta-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis) study.

Methods: Patients with RRMS received IFN beta-1a, 44 or 22 µg sc three times weekly (tiw), or placebo, for 2 years, at which point placebo recipients were re-randomized to IFN beta-1a, 44 or 22 µg sc tiw, for a further 2-4 years. Long-term follow-up visits occurred 7-8 years after enrolment and allowed participation of patients who had previously discontinued treatment.