Patients Report Delays in MS Diagnosis, High Interest in Oral Therapy

A diagnosis of MS can be delayed up to a decade in many individuals, results of a new survey on MS patient experiences and preferences finds. According to Health Union, LLC, topline results from its “2014 MS in America” survey of over 5,000 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, show delays in diagnosis and disaffection with injectables are common patient experiences.

Although most patients in the survey currently use prescription therapies, many reported trying a variety of treatment techniques over time (ranging from prescription medicines to rehabilitation therapies to complementary/ alternative approaches). While approximately 60 percent were satisfied with their current regimen, almost 40 percent said that they were either neutral or dissatisfied with treatment.

The Therapeutic Landscape

The survey suggests a rapid uptake in oral therapy, with nearly a third of RRMS patients saying that they use an oral agent for MS management. Respondents noted needle fatigue, tolerability, convenience and efficacy concerns among the reasons for choosing oral therapies over injectables. Of note, respondents report being more satisfied with oral therapies than with injectables. Furthermore, nearly half have of those using injectables report that they have considered switching to an oral agent.

The MS in America Study was conducted online in early 2014. It included a total of 156 questions on a broad range of topics. A total of 6,202 people started the survey. 5,710 met eligibility requirements, and 5,004 people completed the survey. The study was solely developed and funded by Health Union, LLC which does not manufacture, sell, nor market any product to diagnose, prevent or treat MS or any other disease. Full results are available online at http://multiplesclerosis.net/ms-in-america-2014/

Data from Health Union, LLC’s 2014 MS in America

survey is available at: http://multiplesclerosis.net/specialreport-2014-oral-treatments-for-ms/who-is-taking-oral-treatments/