Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Modeling Multiple Sclerosis in the Two Sexes: MOG35-55-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: October 13, 2023
Multiple sclerosis, immunomodulators, and pregnancy outcome: a prospective observational study
C Weber-Schoendorfer1, C Schaefer
1Pharmakovigilanz- und Beratungszentrum für Embryonaltoxikologie Berlin, Berlin Institute for Clinical Teratology and Drug Risk Assessment in Pregnancy, Berliner Betrieb für Zentrale Gesundheitliche Aufgaben, Berlin, Germany.
This study found that glatiramer acetate (GA) and interferon (IFN) therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) during pregnancy do not pose a major risk for developmental toxicity. While some birth outcomes varied, overall safety suggests these treatments are viable options for pregnant MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Management of multiple sclerosis (MS) in pregnant women using immunomodulatory therapies remains uncertain.
- Existing data on the safety of specific MS treatments during pregnancy is limited, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety of interferon (IFN)-beta1a, interferon (IFN)-beta1b, and glatiramer acetate (GA) in pregnant women with MS.
- To compare pregnancy outcomes between women exposed to these MS therapies and unexposed MS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational cohort study conducted from 1996 to 2007.
- Involved enrollment through a drug risk assessment by the Teratology Information Service (TIS), Berlin.
- Compared pregnancy outcomes across four groups: IFN-exposed (n=69), GA-exposed (n=31), unexposed MS patients (n=64), and healthy controls (n=1556).
Main Results:
- Spontaneous abortion rates were within normal limits for most groups, with a higher rate observed in a small subgroup exposed to IFN-beta1b.
- Two major birth defects (club feet, atrioventricular canal) occurred in the GA group; none were reported in the IFN cohort.
- Newborns exposed to IFN showed significantly lower birth weight, though mean birth weight remained within the normal range for all groups.
Conclusions:
- Glatiramer acetate (GA) and interferon (IFN) therapies do not appear to pose a significant risk for prenatal developmental toxicity in multiple sclerosis patients.
- The study provides valuable safety data for managing MS during pregnancy with these immunomodulatory agents.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the specific findings regarding IFN-beta1b spontaneous abortion rates and IFN-exposed newborn birth weights.
