Real-world data shows that multiple sclerosis-related health care resource utilization significantly decreased following the initiation of ofatumumab (OMB), a monoclonal antibody for multiple sclerosis (MS), indicating potential benefits for patients and health care systems.

OMB, an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody, has been proven effective in reducing relapse and slowing disability progression in patients with MS. Researchers aimed to evaluate if these clinical benefits of OMB lead to a decrease in health care resource utilization in a real-world setting using US administrative claims data. 

The study included adults with an MS diagnosis who started OMB treatment between August 2020 and November 2022 and were identified from Optum Clinformatics data covering August 2019 to May 2023. Patients were continuously enrolled for at least 12 months before and 6 months after their OMB start date, with no gaps in treatment or switches for at least 6 months after starting. The study evaluated MS-related inpatient (IP) stays, emergency department (ED) visits, and outpatient (OP) visits over 12 months before starting OMB and at least 6 months after. Rates of MS-related health care resource utilization per person-year were analyzed using negative binomial regression and compared between the 2 time periods.

The study included 625 patients with a mean age of 49 years old, 75% of whom identified as women and 67% as White. In the pre-index period, different percentages of patients received low-/moderate-efficacy and high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), with some not receiving any DMT. The mean length of follow-up in the post-index period was 15.74 months. There was a significant decrease in IP stays per person-year (PPY) in the pre- vs post-index period, IP days PPY, and OP visits PPY from the pre- to post-index period. However, there was no significant change in ED visits PPY.

“Rates of MS-related IP stays/days and OP visits decreased significantly following OMB initiation, indicating benefits of OMB for patients, payers, and the health care system,” said researchers. 

Reference 
Tai M, Shao Q, Brown B, et al. Change in health care resource utilization following initiation of ofatumumab in patients with multiple sclerosis; May 29-June 1, 2024; Nashville, TN; Abstract DMT39.