Therapeutic advances: beta-interferon for multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a very distressing condition for which there is no effective treatment. Two randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials of beta-interferon in mildly disabled patients with relapsing remitting MS have been published. Although promising, beta-interferon is not a cure for MS and the clinical significance of the small effect of beta-interferon on disease progression is not known. The high cost of beta-interferon, the distressing nature of MS and the small benefit demonstrated in clinical trials mean that purchasers and clinicians will face hard decisions in managing the introduction of these drugs.
Clark
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Department of Pharmacy Policy and Practice, Keele University, Staffs.
D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D016899:Interferon-beta