Skip to main content

MS Immuno-T: Health Economic Assessment of a new diagnostic for Multiple Sclerosis

Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting approximately 110,000 people in the UK. The current diagnostic pathway is complex and lengthy, often taking 6 to 12 months to confirm a diagnosis. This process typically relies on invasive tests, such as lumbar punctures, which can be painful, costly, and lead to complications.

Funded by the NIHR (Award ID: NIHR208514), this study focuses on the clinical validation of MS Immuno-T, a novel blood test developed by ImmunoServ. This test detects specific T cell responses associated with the disease. The test requires only a standard blood sample and can report results within 48 hours. The project aims to validate the test's performance against current standards, with the goal of simplifying diagnosis and improving patient care.

CEDAR’s Role

CEDAR is collaborating with ImmunoServ to evaluate the health economic value of the MS Immuno-T test and ensure the project is guided by patient perspectives:

  • Health Economic Analysis: We are developing an economic model to estimate the potential cost and health benefits of the blood test compared to the current standard diagnostics. By analysing data on resource use and consulting with clinicians to map diagnostic pathways, we aim to demonstrate the potential impact on healthcare resource use and patient outcomes.
  • Patient and Public Involvement (PPI): CEDAR and Immunoserv are working with the Welsh Neuroscience Research Tissue Bank to recruit patient representatives with experience of multiple sclerosis, to help input into the study design and conduct. CEDAR will be collaborating on several focus groups with patients to explore the acceptability of the new test and ensure the study and its analysis accurately reflects the lived experience of patients.