#ECTRIMS2016 – Biogen to Unveil Study into Economic and Human Costs of MS

At the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) 2016 Congress, taking place in London on Sept. 14–17, Biogen will present the Multiple Sclerosis Cost of Illness study, based on research into more than 16,000 MS patients throughout Europe.

The study builds on data from a leading 2005 study that also examined the economic burden of the disease on MS patients and their caregivers. This new study is led by Gisela Kobelt, PhD, who also authored the 2005 report. In addition to presenting study findings, Kobelt will lead a workshop open to patient groups in which she will discuss those findings and their insights together with the study’s clinical advisers.

Data will be presented in two poster sessions: “Cognition, Fatigue and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Results from a European-Wide Study,” and “Inability to Work and Need for Social and Family Support Drive Costs in Multiple Sclerosis.” Both posters will be presented  on Friday, Sept. 16.

“We look forward to hearing from the patient community in our upcoming ECTRIMS workshop on the burden of illness in MS,” Ralph Kern, MD, senior vice president at Biogen’s Worldwide Medical department, said in a news release.

“We encourage an open discussion about how the community can apply the main findings of the study to engage and educate researchers, governments, and policymakers around the issues most critical to patients, and, ultimately, identify new ways to improve outcomes in the treatment of MS,” he added.

In addition to the Cost of Illness Study, Biogen will present data on several of its MS treatments. New data on Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) demonstrated that it shows sustained effects in both newly diagnosed and previously treated relapsing MS patients. Long-term data also confirms that up to nine years of treatment with Tecfidera is safe. Biogen will also show data comparing Tecfidera to the other common MS treatments.

Additional data on the newly approved MS drug Zinbryta (daclizumab), a once-monthly injection under the skin that patients administer themselves, will also be presented. Among other data, a comparison with intramuscular interferon beta-1a treatment will be shown.

New findings related to both old and new drugs, such as Tysabri (natalizumab ), Plegridy (peginterferon Beta-1a), Fampyra (prolonged-release fampridine tablets), and the experimental drug Opicinumab, will also be covered in various presentations at the meeting.