The direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with multiple sclerosis are high. In the managed care setting, before treatment is initiated, these costs must be reconciled with other factors such as the epidemiological and clinical features of MS and current recommendations for pharmacologic management. Managed care organizations (MCOs) have the opportunity to improve the outcomes of MS through a system of care. MCOs can also manage the costs of the 2 first-line therapies (glatiramer and agents from the interferon class) used to treat MS by using stepped care and preferred formulary designations. In addition, improved outcomes can be achieved by establishing a disease management approach to treat MS.
Employers Face Barriers With Adopting Biosimilars
March 1st 2022Despite the promise of savings billions of dollars in the United States, adoption of biosimilars has been slow. A roundtable discussion among employers highlighted some of the barriers, including formulary design and drug pricing and rebates.