Novel Therapies for MS available but not affordable

MUMBAI, India - Sept. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- Mumbai, September 2013- Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) may have widened the spectra of available treatment options of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a  nerve disorder, but access to these therapies is still an issue of concern for experts. Out of pocket expenses, lack of insurance coverage and limited updates on new innovations are to blame, say city neurologists.

In recent times, a wide range of innovative therapies have become available for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. These new therapies can now target the different types of MS. For example, Avonex (interferon beta 1a) is an injectable in a prefilled syringe indicated for relapsing, remitting form of MS. Tysabri (Natalizumab) is the second line of treatment for patients who fail on interferons. This year, there was a new device for easier administration of Avonex called the Avonex Pen to help patients be more independent in administering their therapy thus improving their adherence. In addition to this, two new oral drugs approved internationally for Multiple sclerosis treatment are likely to be available in India by 2014.

Dr Joy Desai, Consultant Neurologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre said, "Today, progress in drug research has made it possible to manage MS by upto 60%. Unfortunately, most patients are unable to benefit from this development as they cannot afford these therapies. Also, insurance companies have been reluctant to cover this lifelong disease under medical coverage."

Doctors feel that it is crucial for them to be constantly updated about the availability of new therapies. Those who were well updated about new medicines were more likely to be taking the appropriate treatments.

As per Dr P P Ashok, Consultant Neurologist and Head, Division of Neurology, Hinduja Hospital "Novel treatment therapies are not uniformly accessible across the country. It is very essential for doctors and patients to have an increased awareness about the new therapies.”

MS is an auto-immune disease in which the body attacks its own cells and tissues. The most common symptoms are weakness in the limbs, numbness, sudden loss of balance, blurred vision that may lead to paralysis. The disease mostly strikes youth at a time when they are starting new careers, relationships or making plans for the future. Women are twice more likely to fall prey to MS than men. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to MS, but a specific cause for the disease hasn't been yet identified nor a permanent cure. DMTs are medicines that can reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks and in some cases can slow the progression of the disabling condition.

Adds Dr Ashok, " The new range of treatment options offer better alternatives to patients who have been discouraged by the previously available drugs. Access to affordable and effective MS treatment would provide an improved quality of life for patients.”

The average cost of patented MS injections comes to around Rs 30,000 per month. There are a number of drug companies interested in MS, suggesting that more options may be available soon. According to estimates, there are between 100,000- 200,000 multiple sclerosis patients in India, even though that there are no exact statistics on MS.