Interferon beta-1a

Interferon beta-1a is a drug in the interferon family used to treat multiple sclerosis. It is the pioneering treatment for multiple sclerosis with, as of 2005, 16 years of data demonstrating its safety and efficacy. While these drugs improve certain diagnostic test results, many patients report no perceived improvement, along with serious side-effects that substantially reduce quality of life. It is important to recognize that these drugs are intended to treat symptoms but do not cure multiple sclerosis, and it is debatable whether they provide meaningful benefit in the short or long term. Furthermore, tolerance develops over time which reduces the effectiveness of these drugs while side effects may persist even after discontinuation.

There are two principal competitors in the market for this drug:

• Biogen Idec's Avonex®
• Serono's Rebif®

Berlex is the US affiliate of Schering AG Germany who markets interferon beta-1b outside the US. Betaferon is marketed in the United States by Berlex under the name Betaseron.

Avonex

Avonex is an interferon drug developed by the Biogen Idec pharmaceutical company for use in the treatment of relapsing/recurring multiple sclerosis.

Whilst not a cure, Avonex is reported to reduce the frequency and severity of recurring/remitting Multiple Sclerosis exacerbations.

Avonex is made by using mammalian Chinese hamster ovarian cells to which the human interferon gene has been introduced. Avonex is shipped in single use kits, containing a syringe, adhesive plaster, gauze pad, sterile diluent, and the powdered form of Avonex.

Biogen is currently in the process of releasing a new pre-reconstituted syringe kit, and is phasing out the old style kits in the fall of 2003.

Avonex is administered once a week via intramuscular injection. Biogen is currently running clinical trials on a new form of the drug, which is administered intravenously once a month.

Biogen, also operates a comprehensive support service for people with Multiple Sclerosis. This includes telephone support and advice, the MS Active Source web site (http://www.msactivesource.com) with information about Multiple Sclerosis, and regularly holds both physical and telephone conferences with neurologists who specialize in Multiple Sclerosis.

Rebif

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a disease-modifying drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is similar to the interferon beta protein produced by the human body. Interferon helps modulate the body's immune system, fight disease and reduce inflammation.

Rebif, which was approved in Europe in 1998 and in the US in 2002, is registered in more than 80 countries worldwide. Rebif has been proven to reduce MRI lesion activity and area, reduce the frequency of relapses, and delay the progression of disability. Rebif is available in a 22 mcg and 44 mcg ready-to-use pre-filled syringe and can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days if a refrigerator is not available.

Most commonly reported side effects are injection site disorders, flu-like symptoms, elevation of liver enzymes and blood cell abnormalities. Patients with depression, seizure disorders, or liver problems, should discuss treatment with Rebif with their doctors.

It is believed that Interferon-Beta based drugs achieve their beneficial effect on MS progress via their anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also determined that Interferon-Beta improves the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)-- which generally breaks down in MS patients, allowing increasing amounts of undesirable substances to reach the brain. This strengthening of the BBB may be a contributing factor to Interferon-Beta's beneficial effects. These studies were carried out in vitro (outside a living organism - a "petri dish" experiment), so it does not necessarily mean it works the same in people.

External Links

• Patient ratings of Avonex (http://remedyfind.com/rm-1110-Avonex.asp)
• Patient ratings of Rebif (http://remedyfind.com/rm-1111-Rebif.asp)
• Rebif.com (http://www.rebif.com/)
• Avonex.com (http://www.avonex.com)
• The MS Society (http://www.mssociety.org)
• Serono Website (http://www.seronousa.com) - manufacturer of Rebif
• ThisIsMS (http://www.thisisms.com) - an MS community website