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Interferon-β-1b

In Newly Emerging Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract

  • ▴ The mechanism of action of interferon-β-1b in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not clearly understood, but is thought to involve immunoregulatory activities, including enhancing the suppressor activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

  • ▴ In the planned 3-year analysis of the BENEFIT study in patients with a single clinical event suggestive of MS, the relative risk of clinically definite (CD) MS was reduced by 41% in those receiving interferon-β-1b 250 μg every other day for 3 years (early-treatment group) compared with patients who were initially randomized to placebo then switched to interferon-β-1b 250 μg every other day at the end of 2 years or at the onset of CDMS (delayed-treatment group) [p < 0.01].

  • ▴ The relative risk of confirmed progression of the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was reduced by 40% in the early-treatment group compared with the delayed-treatment group over 3 years (p < 0.05).

  • ▴ At the end of the 2-year, randomized, placebo-controlled period of the BENEFIT study, the risk of developing CDMS (p < 0.0001) and McDonald-defined MS (p < 0.00001) was significantly lower in the interferon-β-1b group than in the placebo group, and in the magnetic resonance imaging analysis, fewer newly active lesions developed in the interferon-β-1b group (p < 0.001).

  • ▴ Interferon-β-1b was generally well tolerated. In the 3-year BENEFIT study, neutralizing activity, which was reported in about one-third of the early-treatment group, had no effect on outcome.

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Notes

  1. The use of trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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Acknowledgements and Disclosures

The manuscript was reviewed by: M.S. Freedman, Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; O. Stuve, VA North Texas Health Care System, Neurology Section, Medical Service, Dallas, Texas, USA.

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Wolters Kluwer Health | Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand

    Kate McKeage

  2. Wolters Kluwer Health, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA

    Kate McKeage

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Correspondence to Kate McKeage.

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McKeage, K. Interferon-β-1b. CNS Drugs 22, 787–792 (2008). https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200822090-00005

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