Background:Objectives:The aim of this study was to estimate the annual direct cost of biologics in rheumatoid arthritis and to evaluate the impact of social factors on biological use and costs.Methods:Patients in the Moroccan register of biologicals (RBSMR) with available 1-year data were included. Variables related to socio-economic status, disease and biological were collected. Direct costs included prices of biologics, costs of infusions, and subcutaneous injections. Biological use and costs were compared based on social factors.Results:Our study included 197 patients (female sex of 86.8%, mean age of 52.3 ± 11 years). Patients were on one of the following therapies: Rituximab (n=132), Tocilizumab (n=37) or TNF-blockers (n=28). 44.2% of included patients have the RAMED medical assistance (health insurance scheme for the economically underprivileged). Illiteracy was noted in 45.7% of cases. Median one-year direct costs per patient were €1,665 [€1,472 - €9,879].There was no statistically significant difference in costs between men and women (p>0.05), between illiterate and literate (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in costs between patients with the RAMED medical assistance scheme and other health insurances (p<0.01).Conclusion:This study showed that Moroccan RA patients had equal access to biologics regardless of their gender or level of education. Indeed, the insurance system influence the costs of biologics. Accessibility of those expensive treatments in a developing country seems be explained by efforts of the Moroccan ministry of health who has allocated a substantial budget for biologic DMARDs for patients with RAMED in the tertiary structures in our country.Disclosure of Interests:None declared
Objectives:The aim of this study was to calculate direct costs amount in rheumatoid arthritis (R.A) patients in the Moroccan register of biologicals RBSMR registry.Methods:Patients in the Moroccan register of biologicals RBSMR registry with available 1-year data were included. Variables related to socio-economic status, disease and biological therapy were collected. Direct costs included prices of biologics, costs of infusions, and subcutaneous injections. Biologic use and costs were compared.Results:197 patients data (female sex (86,8%), mean age (52,3± 11 years), illiteraty (45,7%)) were analyzed. The median annual direct costs per patient were €1,665 [€1,472 - €9,879]. For all patients, the mean annual direct costs per treated patient for each biological agent is presented in Figure 1.The total annual direct costs of biological agents in the RBSMR registry were 978 494 €. Rituximab was given to 67% of patients and constituted 25.7% of the total annual budget. TNF-blockers and Tocilizumab were prescribed in 14.2% and 18.8% of cases and represented respectively 27.3% and 47% of this overall budget.Conclusion:This study presents a global overview of the direct costs of biological therapy associated with RA patients, taking as a source the Moroccan registry of biological therapies in rheumatic diseases. Those results show that overall cost of biological agents according to the Moroccan register is very high. There is a real need for development of strategies for better governance of those costs.Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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