Episode 246: The High Cost of MS Medications with Steffany Stern

When my wife was diagnosed with MS in 1997, the annual cost of her MS medication was $9,000. Today, the annual cost of that same medication is $110,000. We cannot allow the insanity associated with the cost of MS medications to continue. Joining me to discuss the impact of the outrageously high cost of MS medications -- and what each of us can do about it -- is the National MS Society's Vice-President of Advocacy, Steffany Stern. We're also talking about a Phase 1 clinical trial for an investigational Epstein-Barr Virus vaccine (and why that matters to everyone living with MS). We'll tell you about a study that may have identified a biomarker for MS-related fatigue. We're also sharing the results of a study that identified which stress-reducing activities can help reduce MS-related depression and fatigue. And we'll tell you about a study that identified the economic benefits of starting MS medications early. We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??! The (HIGH!) Cost of MS Medications   :22 NIH Announces Phase I Clinical Trial of Investigational EBV Vaccine 4:21 Study identifies a potential biomarker for MS fatigue  6:04 Study identifies stress-reducing activities that lower MS-related depression and fatigue    8:37 Study shows the economic benefits of starting MS medications early  11:25 Steffany Stern discusses the impact of the cost of MS medications   14:16 Share this episode  32:10 Download the RealTalk MS app for your iOS or Android device   32:30 SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/246 ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts! Email: [email protected] Phone: (310) 526-2283 And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group! LINKS If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com National MS Society COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for People Living with MS https://www.nationalmssociety.org/coronavirus-covid-19-information/multiple-sclerosis-and-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-guidance National MS Society: You Can Help Bring MS Medications Into Reach https://nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Make-MS-Medications-Accessible/Take-Action RealTalk MS Ep.229: Evidence Shows MS Is Triggered by the Epstein-Barr Virus with Dr. Kassandra Munger and Dr. AJ Joshi https://realtalkms.com/229 RealTalk MS Episode 231: Evidence Shows EBV Triggers MS: Understanding this Breakthrough Research with Dr. Bruce Bebo https://realtalkms.com/231 Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid Precursor Protein as a Potential Biomarker for Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034822003583 SURVEY: Undertaking Specific Stress-Reducing Activities are Associated with Reduced Fatigue and Depression, And Increased Mastery, in People with Multiple Sclerosis https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034822003169 Early vs Late Treatment Initiation in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact on Cost of Illness: A Register-Based Prospective Cohort Study in Sweden https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35496759 iConquer MS Survey for MS Caregivers https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823942/Caregiver-Survey-MS-Caregivers iConquer MS Survey for Researchers and Healthcare Providers https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6823815/Caregiver-research-survey-HCPs-and-researchers Join the RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Devices https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/realtalk-ms/id1436917200 Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Deviceshttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.realtalk Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com. RealTalk MS Episode 246 Guests: Steffany Stern Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, MSSociety, RealTalkMS Privacy Policy