Rapid benefits of a new formulation of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Mult Scler. 2010 Jul;16(7):888-92. doi: 10.1177/1352458510362442. Epub 2010 Mar 3.

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of a new formulation of subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN)-beta1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients (n = 180) were randomized (2 : 1) to IFN-beta1a or placebo for 16 weeks; all patients then received IFN-beta1a for 24 weeks. Monthly brain MRI was performed. At week 16, the mean number of combined unique active (CUA) lesions was lower with IFN-beta1a than with placebo (p < 0.001; 69% fewer lesions). The mean cumulative number of CUA lesions was already lower with IFN-beta1a by week 4 (post hoc analysis; p = 0.015). The new formulation of sc IFN-beta1a has rapid beneficial effects on MRI outcomes in RRMS.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00441103.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / pathology
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interferon beta-1a
  • Interferon-beta / administration & dosage*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon beta-1a

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00441103