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

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.

• Authors: Nicola De Stefano, François Curtin, Bettina Stubinski, Gregg Blevins, Jelena Drulovic, Delphine Issard, Penko Shotekov, Claudio Gasperini, IMPROVE Study Investigators
• Journal: Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) (Mult Scler) Vol. 16 Issue 7 Pg. 888-92 (Jul 2010) ISSN: 1477-0970 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20200197 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase III, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

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

Topics

• Brain (drug effects, 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, pathology)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome