Patterns of Disease-Modifying Therapy Initiation in Multiple Sclerosis Among Diverse Racial Groups

In a study of 3,508 confirmed MS patients, 44.6% initiated disease-modifying therapy (DMT). The initiation rate was lower among Hispanic patients (36.2%) compared to non-Hispanic (45.6%). Black patients had the highest initiation rate (49.2%) but the longest median time to first DMT (1497 days).

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Source: Read original source (PMID 42807176)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

This study highlights disparities in the initiation of DMT among different racial and ethnic groups, indicating potential systemic barriers to access.

What this does not prove

Most patients in this cohort never initiated DMT, which limits understanding of treatment patterns and access across diverse populations.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 3508 · Confirmed MS patients in retrospective cohort study.
Randomised: Not reported
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: All
Publication date: 2026-09-14
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Other

Original sources

Primary evidenceRacial and ethnic disparities in disease-modifying therapy use among adults with multiple sclerosis: a real-world analysis of the All of Us Research Program. ↗DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1916567

Supporting passages (11)

study designa retrospective cohort study using the All of Us Research Program (2024 data release) among adults aged ≥18 years with confirmed MS (N = 3,508).

subjectsamong adults aged ≥18 years with confirmed MS (N = 3,508).

sample sizeN = 3,508

sample size basisamong adults aged ≥18 years with confirmed MS (N = 3,508).

peer reviewedJournal: Frontiers in neurology

research categoriesdisparities in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use are documented but incompletely characterized across the full treatment pathway.

relevant ms typesdisparities in multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use are documented but incompletely characterized across the full treatment pathway.

publication datePublication date: 2026-09-14

interventionDMT initiation, time to first DMT, drug class selection, switching, escalation, and discontinuation.

findingsOverall, 1,564 patients (44.6%) initiated DMT.

limitationsMost patients with MS in this national cohort never initiated DMT.

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