Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatments
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that slow MS progression, including infusions, oral medications, and injectables.
How Multiple Sclerosis Work
B-cell depleting therapies (Ocrevus, Kesimpta) destroy B-cells that attack myelin. S1P receptor modulators (Gilenya, oral) trap white blood cells in lymph nodes. Fumarates (Tecfidera) have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Interferons (older DMTs) modulate the immune response. Each mechanism targets a different part of the immune system's attack on the nervous system.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatments — Ranked by Cost Per Claim (Cheapest First)
| # | Drug | Generic Name | Cost/Claim | Generic? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Copaxone | Glatiramer Acetate | $1,594.00 | Yes |
| 2 | Aubagio | Teriflunomide | $3,363.00 | Yes |
| 3 | Tecfidera | Dimethyl Fumarate | $4,103.00 | Yes |
| 4 | Gilenya | Fingolimod | $5,738.00 | No |
| 5 | Mayzent | Siponimod | $6,593.00 | Yes |
| 6 | Kesimpta | Ofatumumab | $8,425.00 | Yes |
| 7 | Tysabri | Natalizumab | $9,952.00 | Yes |
| 8 | Ocrevus | Ocrelizumab | $23,635.00 | Yes |
Potential Savings
MS drugs are among the most expensive chronic medications. Tecfidera went generic in 2020, dropping from $7,000 to ~$800/month. Ocrevus ($23,635/claim) has no generic and won't until its patents expire around 2028. Generic Gilenya launched in 2022.
First-line generic: generic dimethyl fumarate at $800.00/claim. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you.
Key Facts
- 1.Nearly 1 million Americans live with MS
- 2.MS drugs average $3,000-24,000 per claim — among the most expensive chronic medications
- 3.Ocrevus ($23,635/claim) is the most prescribed MS drug despite being the most expensive
- 4.Medicare spent $3.5B on Ocrevus alone
- 5.Generic dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod have significantly reduced costs for some patients
- 6.Kesimpta ($8,425/claim) is the fastest-growing MS drug at +68.4% YoY
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest option is Generic dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera generic) at $800 per claim. MS drugs are among the most expensive chronic medications. Tecfidera went generic in 2020, dropping from $7,000 to ~$800/month. Ocrevus ($23,635/claim) has no generic and won't until its patents expire around 2028. Generic Gilenya launched in 2022.
B-cell depleting therapies (Ocrevus, Kesimpta) destroy B-cells that attack myelin. S1P receptor modulators (Gilenya, oral) trap white blood cells in lymph nodes. Fumarates (Tecfidera) have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Interferons (older DMTs) modulate the immune response. Each mechanism targets a different part of the immune system's attack on the nervous system.
All spending data comes from the CMS Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard. Patent and generic information comes from the FDA Orange Book. Prices shown are average cost per 30-day supply claim under Medicare Part D.