Abstract.
Interferon beta (IFN-β) reduces exacerbation rates in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), but some patients do not respond to treatment. Recent studies have shown a clear dose-response effect on the reduction of exacerbation rates, and on burden of disease accumulation and active lesion frequency seen on MRI. During treatment with 8 MIU IFN-β we noticed a 30% rate of treatment failure. We then treated non-responders with 12 MIU IFN-β and observed significant improvement in the clinical signs of disease activity. In order to compare the efficacy of two different doses of IFN-β-1b, a multicenter study for the optimization of interferon for MS (OPTIMS) has been organized. The design of the study is presented here.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Durelli, L., Oggero, A., Verdun, E. et al. Interferon-β dose and efficacy: the OPTIMS study. Neurol Sci 22, 201–203 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100720170024
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100720170024