Later initiation of disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatment (ie, >90 days after diagnosis) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) was associated with a greater likelihood of relapse compared with earlier initiation, a recent study found. Newly diagnosed patients from January 1, 2008, to August 30, 2014, with healthcare activity 1 year pre- and 2 years’ post-index, and who initiated DMD treatment during the 2-year follow-up period, were included. Patients were categorized as Early or Late Initiators (initiated DMD treatment ≤90 or >90 days following index, respectively). Researchers found:

• A total of 4,732 patients met the inclusion criteria: 2,042 (43.2%) were Early Initiators and 2,690 (56.8%) were Late Initiators.
• Similar baseline mean age (46.9 years for both cohorts) and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (Early Initiators: 0.3, Late Initiators: 0.32) were observed.
• Average time to treatment was 20.9 ± 27.6 days for Early Initiators and 346.3 ± 181.1 days for Late Initiators.
• A significantly higher proportion of Late Initiators (n=609; 22.6%) had a relapse during the 2 years following MS diagnosis compared with Early Initiators (n=403; 19.7%).