[A short history of beta-interferon therapy of multiple sclerosis]

Basic sciences including biotechnology and diagnostic imaging as well as dedicated and substantial clinical research have contributed to the progress in the therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS) which is no longer an orphan disease. Pivotal studies using interferon beta-1b for early and later phases of MS are described in their historical context. In addition, possible mechanisms of action of interferon beta-1b and new directions for future research are discussed. Interferon beta-1b already now has become a global standard for the expected further therapeutic progress.