Barriers to accessing multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies in the Middle East and North Africa region: A regional survey-based study

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) management varies markedly between different countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region based on the availability and accessibility of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

Objective: To evaluate the accessibility to DMTs in each MENA country, identify barriers to treatment and make recommendations for improved access to DMTs across the region.

Methods: This is a descriptive, survey-based study whereby we extracted data collected, between October 2019 and April 2020, for countries in the MENA region by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) through their Atlas of MS survey.

Results: 16 out of 19 countries in the MENA region were included in this study. Sudan and Syria did not have any originator DMTs approved. Interferons were the most widely low-efficacy originator approved DMTs. Three countries did not have any high efficacy DMTs approved. Moreover, follow-on DMTs were approved in half (50%) of the countries. Cost of treatment was the most important barrier, reported in nearly half (47%) of the MENA countries.

Conclusion: Although most MENA countries have access to DMTs, more than half of countries report problems with treatment continuation, highlighting the need for a targeted regional strategy to address the variations in access to MS treatments.