Real-World Analysis of AMPYRA Multiple Sclerosis Drug Presented by Acorda and HealthCore

by Maureen Newman | September 12, 2014

Acorda Therapeutics will present results of a study analyzing AMPYRA (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets in multiple sclerosis patients at the 2014 Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting in Boston, held through September 10-13. Unlike many other studies of therapeutic agents, this study looked at prescribing patterns, patient compliance, and budget impact in a managed care setting to ascertain the patient’s perspective in taking the drug for treating MS.

“This information is important as part of an overall discussion about the benefits and appropriate use of this unique therapy,” said Ron Cohen, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acorda Therapeutics, in a news release from the company. Acorda has a strong interest in helping multiple sclerosis patients through a variety of unique treatments and tools — in May, Acorda Therapeutics demonstrated the MS self mobile app at the CMSC/ACTRIMS meeting in Dallas.

“Since its approval in 2010, AMPYRA has been tried by more than 90,000 people in the United States with multiple sclerosis, and tens of thousands are benefiting from therapy,” noted Dr. Cohen. Data was derived from four years of pharmacy and medical claims taken from HealthCore’s Integrated Research Database. Only data from patients who began AMPYRA therapy in early 2010 through February 2012 were considered. Thorough results were to be presented on September 11th by Accorda and HealthCore in a poster entitled “Treatment Patterns and Budget Impact of Dalfampridine in Multiple Sclerosis: A Retrospective Claims Database Analysis.”

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Additional research is planned to further assess long-term health economics and outcomes data to enhance care for multiple sclerosis patients. “These data will help us better understand AMPYRA treatment patterns, benefits for patients, and its potential impact on reducing other healthcare costs in a real world setting,” said Dr. Cohen.

Although the data presented are related to Acorda Therapeutics’ AMPYRA, a generic version is developed by Actavis. It would be interesting to compare retrospective patient information between the namebrand and generic versions of dalfampridine.

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About the Author

Maureen Newman Maureen Newman is a science columnist for BioNews Texas. She is currently a PhD student studying biomedical engineering at University of Rochester, working towards a career of research in biomaterials for drug delivery and regenerative medicine. She is an integral part of Dr. Danielle Benoit's laboratory, where she is investigating bone-homing therapeutics for osteoporosis treatment.