Multiple Sclerosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Multiple Sclerosis, including details on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prognosis.

The safety and efficacy of IFN-beta products for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Kremenchutzky M, Morrow S, Rush C

University of Western Ontario, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Canada.

Multiple sclerosis, a chronic demyelinating disease of the CNS, is now a treatable disease. Phase III clinical trials of three recombinant IFN-beta products conducted in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis have shown, albeit modest, significant effects on relapses and short-term progression of disability, and a more substantial effect on MRI parameters. However, these effects do not correlate well with clinical disease activity or long-term disability. Overall, IFN-beta is safe and generally well tolerated, and reported adverse events were comparable between preparations. Systemic side effects can be effectively managed by dose escalation, use of an auto-injector and careful clinical monitoring.

Published 7 May 2007 in Expert Opin Drug Saf, 6(3): 279-88.
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