Evaluating use of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis using claims data

Rising PBS expenditure on DMTs was primarily driven by increasing patient numbers, shifts from low- to high-efficacy therapies, and longer treatment persistence. Analysis of individual DMT utilisation identified higher-than-expected use of interferon beta-1a relative to defined daily doses benchmarks, contributing to increased treatment costs. Overall, the findings demonstrate the value of claims data for postmarket monitoring of medicine utilisation and expenditure, and for informing policy review aimed at sustainable resource allocation.