[Beta interferon in multiple sclerosis: pharmacological differences]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
H Allain1, D Bentué-Ferrer, S Schück
1Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Expérimentale et Clinique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Rennes I.
Abstract:
Interferons beta (INF) would be a good recombinant therapeutic choice for the management of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Three forms are approved in various countries including one IFN beta-1b (Betaféron) and two IFN beta-1a (Avonex and Ribif). These agents are apparently similar although they are not identical. Differences may be of clinical relevance. Important differences are described here in terms of pharmacokinetics, the spectrum of side effects and molecular chemistry. The clinical consequences on the benefit/risk ratio are discussed. This review recalls the difficulty in developing such compounds and in reaching marketing approval. An improvement in the acceptability and efficiency of IFN beta could by obtained when analyzing basic research data.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Bioequivalence of Drugs: Drugs with Multiple Indications
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Drug Products: Biologics, Biosimilars and Interchangeables
