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Interferon beta in multiple sclerosis: experience in a British specialist multiple sclerosis centre
B D Dubois1, E Keenan, B E Porter
1Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|June 18, 2003
Summary
Interferon beta (IFN beta) reduces relapse rates in multiple sclerosis (MS) but is only partially effective. Many patients require stopping treatment due to ongoing disease activity or antibody development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Interferon beta (IFN beta) is a treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Its clinical use is complex due to partial efficacy, unknown long-term effects, potential for neutralizing antibodies, variable compliance, and controversial cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor outcomes of IFN beta treatment in clinical practice.
- To compare the immunogenicity of three commercial IFN beta preparations.
- To assess patient adherence to guidelines for stopping IFN beta therapy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective follow-up of 101 MS patients treated with IFN beta.
- Monitoring of relapse rates and disease activity.
- Assay for neutralizing antibodies against IFN beta.
- Assessment against Association of British Neurologists (ABN) stopping criteria.
Main Results:
- A 41% decrease in relapse rate over a median 26-month treatment period.
- Significant differences in relapse-free rates and neutralizing antibody development among the three IFN beta products (Avonex, Betaferon, Rebif).
- 40% of patients met ABN criteria for stopping IFN beta treatment during the study period.
Conclusions:
- IFN beta effectively reduces relapse rates in relapsing-remitting MS in clinical practice.
- A significant proportion of patients (40%) show ongoing disease activity despite treatment.
- Differences in immunogenicity and efficacy exist among commercial IFN beta preparations.