Most US neurologists prescribing MS drugs have received pharma industry cash

Study finds 78.5% of US neurologists prescribing MS drugs received pharma payments.

Why it matters

  • Highlights potential conflicts of interest in MS drug prescribing.
  • Shows correlation between pharma payments and prescription habits.
  • MS drugs are a major expense for Medicare.

By the numbers

  • 78.5% of neurologists received payments.
  • Total payments: $163.6M over 5 years.
  • Top 10% of recipients received 95% of total payments.

The big picture

  • Study raises concerns about influence of pharma payments on prescribing habits.
  • Higher payments and longer durations associated with higher likelihood of prescribing company's drugs.
  • Findings highlight need for transparency and possibly tighter regulations.

What they're saying

  • Large disparity in payment amounts among recipients.
  • Criticism of pharma marketing to the public.
  • Neurologist expresses surprise at direct payments.

Caveats

  • Observational study; no cause-effect conclusions.
  • Limited to Part D drugs.
  • Other factors influence prescribing decisions.

What’s next

  • Further research on impact of payments.
  • Potential policy changes to increase transparency.