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Oulu, Finland – The treatment landscape for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in Finland has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, according to a recent registry study led by the University of Oulu. The study, published in Brain and Behavior, examined early-stage MS treatment trends between 2013 and 2022 and found that diagnoses are now being made faster, with treatment approaches more closely aligned with the latest scientific evidence.
Faster Diagnoses and Early Treatment
In 2013, the average time to diagnose relapsing-remitting MS was approximately 10 months from the onset of the first symptoms. Today, the process has been expedited to an average of five months, allowing patients to begin treatment at an earlier stage.
Traditionally, MS treatment followed a stepwise approach, starting with moderately effective medications before escalating to more potent options as the disease progressed. However, the study highlights a shift towards the use of highly effective medications as first-line treatment, which has been shown to have a stronger impact on the immune system and disease progression.
Swift Implementation of Scientific Guidelines
Researchers were surprised by the speed and extent of these changes. The study underscores how scientific evidence-based diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines have been rapidly integrated into clinical practice in Finland. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, MS diagnoses and treatments continued without significant delays—a finding that was unexpected given the strain on healthcare resources during that time.
“This study shows that in Finland, the treatment of neurological patients follows international research findings and is implemented accordingly. This benefits Finnish patients. In MS care, delays in treatment could worsen long-term outcomes,” said Principal Investigator Mervi Ryytty from the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital.
Despite resource constraints and healthcare system challenges, Finland’s ability to maintain timely MS care highlights the efficiency of its medical infrastructure.
Collaboration Between Researchers and Industry
The study was conducted using secondary data from the Finnish MS Register, the drug prescription registry of the Finnish Insurance Institution (Kela), and the National Care Register for Health Care (HILMO). It was a collaborative effort between the University of Oulu, Novartis Finland Oy, and StellarQ Oy, with additional contributions from researchers at the Universities of Turku and Helsinki.
Medical Manager Elina Jokinen from Novartis emphasized the value of Finland’s robust registry data in providing real-world insights into MS treatment. “For pharmaceutical companies, as well as other healthcare providers, it is essential to understand how MS treatment in Finland has evolved and what the current situation looks like. This study is an example of how a pharmaceutical company can collaborate with researchers to provide valuable real-world data.”
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Future Outlook
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. The exact cause remains partly unknown, but the prevalence of relapsing-remitting MS in Finland is increasing. The study found that the average age of diagnosis is 33, indicating that the disease typically develops in young adults.
While MS remains incurable, advancements in treatment have allowed for better disease management, helping to maintain patients’ functional ability and quality of life. Recent international research suggests that early intensive treatment can improve long-term outcomes for those with relapsing-remitting MS.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment options related to multiple sclerosis or any other medical conditions.
