Newswise — WASHINGTON (November 28, 2011) —Avi Dor, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Health Policy, GW School of Public Health and Health Services, was a co-author of a study, in collaboration with Teva Pharmaceuticals, that found that higher patient adherence to disease modifying therapies, like glatiramer acetate (GA), an immunomodulator drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis, reduced inpatient costs, outpatient costs, and other medical expenses in a national sample of multiple sclerosis patients. This research was published in the December issue of the Journal of Medical Economics.

“The results suggest that by improving patient adherence to medications, for chronic diseases, like GA for multiple sclerosis, overall costs of treatment costs can be reduced said Dr. Dor. “This research underscores the need to develop policies to encourage medication compliance. Such policies will lead to cost savings through the health care system in the long run.”

Results suggest that, despite higher costs associated with increased usage of GA, relapses of symptoms associated with MS are reduced, and other medical costs for MS patients are offset with adherent use.

To view the abstract, visit: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3111/13696998.2011.618517

Dr. Dor served as a paid consultant to Teva Pharmaceuticals for this research.

About the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services:Established in July 1997, the School of Public Health and Health Services brought together three longstanding university programs in the schools of medicine, business, and education that we have since expanded substantially. Today, more than 1,100 students from nearly every U.S. state and more than 40 nations pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level degrees in public health. Our student body is one of the most ethnically diverse among the nation's private schools of public health. http://sphhs.gwumc.edu/

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Journal of Medical Economics