Direct Medical Costs Associated with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Single-Center Cost of Illness Analysis

Background/Objectives: Globally, multiple sclerosis (MS) management is associated with substantial economic burden, but its impact in Saudi Arabia has not been fully quantified. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct medical costs of MS in Saudi Arabia and identify its main cost drivers from a public healthcare payer perspective. Methods: A retrospective, prevalence-based, single-center cost-of-illness analysis was conducted between 2019 and 2020. A bottom-up micro-costing approach was used to estimate the annual direct medical costs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: A total of 193 patients with MS were included (mean age, 33 years; 62% female; 66% with relapsing-remitting MS). Overall, 48% of patients were at a mild disease stage, and 57% had a disease duration of less than five years. The total cost incurred during the study period was 4, 157, 436. The annual direct medical cost per patient is 21, 541 ± 1475. Costs were significantly associated with EDSS score and frequent relapses, resulting in an increase of 729 and 1349, respectively. Additionally, disease-modifying therapies were identified as a major cost driver (74%). Conclusions: MS poses a significant financial burden on the Saudi healthcare system. The results of this study can inform policy development and guide resource allocation in planning healthcare services for patients with MS.