Alemtuzumab for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: predicted versus actual analysis
Page last updated: 10 July 2020
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
February 2020
Abstract
Purpose
To compare the predicted and actual utilisation of alemtuzumab for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) since it was PBS listed for this indication.
Date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Alemtuzumab was PBS listed for the treatment of RRMS on 1 April 2015.
Data Source / methodology
The analysis used data from the Department of Human Services (DHS) Supplied Prescriptions database.
Key Findings
- In 2018, 18,715 patients were supplied a PBS-listed medicine for RRMS and, of these, 459 (2.5%) patients were supplied alemtuzumab.
- The addition of alemtuzumab in April 2015 had minimal effect on the RRMS market.
- 84% of patients supplied alemtuzumab had a prior supply of another PBS listed RMMS medicine.
- 90% of patients treated with alemtuzumab received two treatment courses (initial and continuing) of PBS subsidised alemtuzumab.
- The most common time to prescription refill between the initial and continuing treatment course was 364 days.
- 6.7% of alemtuzumab treated patients were supplied another PBS-listed medicine for RRMS within 2 years of the initial supply of alemtuzumab.
- Number of patients, prescriptions and the government expenditure for alemtuzumab was higher than predicted in Year 1 but was lower than predicted in Year 3 and Year 4.
