Contributions
Abstract: EP1361
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Epidemiology
Introduction: Reported incidence rates of MS in Puerto Rico have been higher than those observed in other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, but lower than those in countries at higher latitudes. Data on the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) among patients with MS in Puerto Rico are limited.
Aims: To describe the characteristics of patients with MS who received DMTs via the largest specialty pharmacy provider in Puerto Rico.
Methods: Retrospective, observational study using data collected between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2016 from the Special Care Pharmacy Services (SCPS) database. SCPS is a longitudinal database serving approximately 65% of the overall DMT prescriptions for MS in Puerto Rico, and contains information on patient demographics (age, gender, and region), insurance coverage, and type of DMT (oral, injectable, infusible). Inclusion criteria were MS diagnosis and DMT prescriptions via the SCPS during the study period. Patient characteristics were assessed at the time of the most recent prescription of DMT, which could have been received anytime during the study period.
Results: 2070 patients with MS had received ≥1 DMT during the study period; 1566 (75.7%) were female; mean age was 43.6 years. Of these, 782 (37.8%) were covered by government insurance, 623 (30.1%) through commercial insurance, and 663 (32.0%) through Medicare. Mean duration on current DMT was 16.7 months, with 44.3% of patients remaining on injectable DMTs, compared to 28.1% and 27.6% remaining on infusible or oral DMTs, respectively. The municipality with the largest number of MS patients was San Juan (11.6% of the analysis population), followed by the Bayamon (7.8%), and Carolina (5.3%) municipalities.
Conclusion: Despite the launch of novel therapies of increased convenience and/or higher efficacy, the majority of patients with MS in Puerto Rico remained on injectable medications, possibly due to formulary restrictions implemented by various payers. The number of patients with MS correlated with the general population densities within Puerto Rico municipalities. Our findings may serve as a useful resource for further MS research, since this study describes a patient population that may be of interest to other regions with substantial Hispanic populations.
Disclosure: JC, MN, SS, and LH: Employees of Sanofi. HH and GJ: Employees of Special Care Pharmacy Services. STUDY SUPPORT: Sanofi.
Abstract: EP1361
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Epidemiology
Introduction: Reported incidence rates of MS in Puerto Rico have been higher than those observed in other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, but lower than those in countries at higher latitudes. Data on the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) among patients with MS in Puerto Rico are limited.
Aims: To describe the characteristics of patients with MS who received DMTs via the largest specialty pharmacy provider in Puerto Rico.
Methods: Retrospective, observational study using data collected between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2016 from the Special Care Pharmacy Services (SCPS) database. SCPS is a longitudinal database serving approximately 65% of the overall DMT prescriptions for MS in Puerto Rico, and contains information on patient demographics (age, gender, and region), insurance coverage, and type of DMT (oral, injectable, infusible). Inclusion criteria were MS diagnosis and DMT prescriptions via the SCPS during the study period. Patient characteristics were assessed at the time of the most recent prescription of DMT, which could have been received anytime during the study period.
Results: 2070 patients with MS had received ≥1 DMT during the study period; 1566 (75.7%) were female; mean age was 43.6 years. Of these, 782 (37.8%) were covered by government insurance, 623 (30.1%) through commercial insurance, and 663 (32.0%) through Medicare. Mean duration on current DMT was 16.7 months, with 44.3% of patients remaining on injectable DMTs, compared to 28.1% and 27.6% remaining on infusible or oral DMTs, respectively. The municipality with the largest number of MS patients was San Juan (11.6% of the analysis population), followed by the Bayamon (7.8%), and Carolina (5.3%) municipalities.
Conclusion: Despite the launch of novel therapies of increased convenience and/or higher efficacy, the majority of patients with MS in Puerto Rico remained on injectable medications, possibly due to formulary restrictions implemented by various payers. The number of patients with MS correlated with the general population densities within Puerto Rico municipalities. Our findings may serve as a useful resource for further MS research, since this study describes a patient population that may be of interest to other regions with substantial Hispanic populations.
Disclosure: JC, MN, SS, and LH: Employees of Sanofi. HH and GJ: Employees of Special Care Pharmacy Services. STUDY SUPPORT: Sanofi.