title: The safety and efficacy of IFN-beta products for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis, a chronic demyelinating disease of the CNS, is now a treatable disease. Phase III clinical trials of three recombinant IFN-beta products conducted in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis have shown, albeit modest, significant effects on relapses and short-term progression of disability, and a more substantial effect on MRI parameters. However, these effects do not correlate well with clinical disease activity or long-term disability. Overall, IFN-beta is safe and generally well tolerated, and reported adverse events were comparable between preparations. Systemic side effects can be effectively managed by dose escalation, use of an auto-injector and careful clinical monitoring.
authors.affiliation: University of Western Ontario, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Canada.
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kremenchutzky
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morrow
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rush
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000009:adverse effects; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D016899:Interferon-beta