Beta-interferon for multiple sclerosis.

Abstract

Interferon beta is widely used as first-line treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Several products are marketed world-wide, and biosimilar products are emerging. Interferon beta reduces relapse rates by about 1/3, and reduces the appearance of new MRI lesions by about 2/3, and some studies have shown reduced disability progression, and reduced rates of brain atrophy. The mechanism of action of interferon beta in MS is poorly understood, partly due to the complex nature of the biological response to interferon injections. This mini-review succinctly summarizes clinical effects, possible mechanism of action, physiochemical properties of the different interferon products, issues related to immunogenicity, and biomarkers of the interferon beta response, and proposes important unresolved issues for future research.

• Authors: Richard A Rudick, Susan E Goelz
• Journal: Experimental cell research (Exp Cell Res) Vol. 317 Issue 9 Pg. 1301-11 (May 15 2011) ISSN: 1090-2422 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21396360 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Immunologic Factors
• Interferon-beta

Topics

• Biomarkers (analysis)
• Chemical Phenomena
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (immunology, therapeutic use)
• Interferon-beta (immunology, therapeutic use)
• Multiple Sclerosis (drug therapy, genetics, immunology)