Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) slow down brain lesions and ease relapses in multiple sclerosis patients—but why can’t Canadians easily access them? This primer examines DMTs’ costs, barriers, policies, and opportunities.
Accessing Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis: A Pan-Canadian Analysis
Accessing Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis: A Pan-Canadian Analysis
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- Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and slow the progression of disability and new brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- DMTs’ use changed significantly over the past decade, thanks to new, higher-efficacy drugs.
- DMT claims grew by half between 2010–18. Reimbursement costs also rose, from $386.9 million in 2010 to $607 million in 2018.
- Over half of DMTs are claimed through private drug plans. Seven per cent are paid for out-of-pocket. In 2018, this represented $39.3 million in spending for individuals and their families.
- Families affected by MS face a greater financial burden than the average Canadian household. And out-of-pocket costs vary by treatment, province, and drug coverage.
- Public access to new, innovative DMTs lags behind private drug coverage access.
- Timely, affordable, and equitable access to DMTs will lead to better outcomes. Health systems and society at large also stand to gain.
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