To compare relapse rates and healthcare costs in patients treated with Glatopa (GLP; glatiramer acetate) and Copaxone (CPX) in a managed care population in the US.

Through a retrospective observational study design, patients (identified from the HealthCore Integrated Research claims Database) with ≥1 GLP or CPX fill between 04/01/2015 (GLP) or 01/01/2013 (CPX) and 04/30/2018 were included; the first fill defined as the index date. Patients with prior treatment with CPX 40mg or health plan enrollment of <6 months pre- and post-index date were excluded. Patients who switched from GLP to CPX were censored. Both cohorts were matched using exact and propensity score matching. Relapse rates (calculated using a validated algorithm) were compared using Chi-square tests, while costs (sum of plan-paid and patient-paid amounts) were compared using Wilcoxon tests.

We identified 633 GLP and 5,586 CPX patients; 158 per cohort were retained after matching. Key baseline characteristics were balanced (mean age 49.9 years, 75% female, mean 3.8 CPX fills). At follow-up, relapse rates were 8% vs. 15% (GLP vs. CPX; p=0.05), and mean annualized relapse rates were 0.12 vs. 0.30 (p=0.05). Mean time to first relapse or end of follow-up was 233 vs. 221 days; p=0.39. Mean (SD) all-cause medical and pharmacy costs were $51,507 ($28,494) vs. $55,085 ($37,061); p=0.50. Mean MS-related costs were $45,379 ($24,732) vs. $47,949 ($32,615); p=0.67, mean disease-modifying therapy costs were $42,926 ($23,196) vs. $44,932 ($28,554); p=0.59.