[Beta-interferons in multiple sclerosis: comparative trials and potential individual selection in different types of...

Beta-interferons (beta-IFN) are effective treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent comparative studies showed significantly higher efficacy of high doses of beta-IFN used every other day. In secondary progressive MS data of beta-IFN trials are not so promising. This may be due to mechanisms of action of this medicine: it can effectively block neurodegeneration associated with inflammation, while in secondary progressive MS other mechanisms of degeneration may be present. Own original studies showed, that the level of MMP9 in serum can be used as an informative biological marker of beta-IFN activity in MS, this treatment could be more effective in DR2(15)-positive individuals and the presence of severe brain atrophy at baseline MRI can be used as a predictor of less effective results of treatment with beta-IFN. Future studies must define the methods, which may be used for selecting the subgroup of MS patients with the best response to beta-IFN. Data of pharmacogenetic and pharmacoeconomic studies must be helpful.