title: Meta-analysis of clinical trials with copolymer 1 in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Glatiramer acetate (copolymer 1) was licensed in the USA in 1996 for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In order to assess its efficacy, a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials was performed. Two double-blind studies, accounting for a total number of 299 patients, contribute to this analysis. Patients undergoing the treatment have decreased probability of relapse at 12 months (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05-0.51, p = 0.002) and of unsustained progression of disability at 24 and 35 months (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0. 34-0.95, p = 0.031, and OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.90, p = 0.019). These data suggest that glatiramer acetate represents an alternative to interferon treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, further evidence of efficacy is required to justify its use in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, National Institute of Neurology C. Besta, Institute of Pharmacological Research M. Negri, Milan, Italy. msgroup@istituto-besta.it
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: La Mantia
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Milanese
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'Amico
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate