Treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon beta 1b.
Interferon beta 1b is now an established therapeutic option for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. More recently, it has also been shown to slow down disease progression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Interferon beta 1b's clinical effect is reflected in MRI studies demonstrating a dramatic effect in reducing disease activity. The drug is generally well tolerated, but its efficacy can be compromised in some patients by the emergence of neutralizing antibodies. This chapter will focus on interferon beta 1b (Betaseron) treatment for multiple sclerosis, its clinical and MRI effects, and its putative mechanism of action.
Dhib-Jalbut
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Department of Neurology, University of Maryland at Baltimore 21201, USA.
McFarland
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D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a