title: The historical development of interferons as multiple sclerosis therapies.
abstract: Human interferon (IFN) beta is the first therapeutic agent to convincingly reduce the multiple sclerosis relapse rate and retard disability. To achieve this significant treatment advance over 15 years of preliminary work was necessary, encompassing over 15 controlled trials which employed each of the three human interferons. Important insights into the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) were gained, especially from the findings of the single IFN-gamma trial. This short history describes the unfolding of our current understanding of the place for IFNs in the management of MS. The contribution of the patients who have participated is recognized and their courage acknowledged. The final role for IFN treatment of MS is unclear, but future studies will be required to define the best IFN, optimal dose, and route of administration and patient selection for long-term management of MS.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore 21201, USA.
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D049673:History, 20th Century; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016899:Interferon-beta