title: Pharmacotherapy of multiple sclerosis: the PROOF trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Currently approved disease-modifying therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) include two different interferon beta-1a (IFNB-1a) preparations: subcutaneous IFNB-1a (Rebif) 44 microg three times weekly and intramuscular IFNB-1a (Avonex) 30 microg once weekly.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This evaluation is of the Prospective and Retrospective Long-Term Observational Study of Avonex and Rebif (PROOF), which intended to compare relative efficacy and tolerability of the two INFB-1a products.
  
  
  METHODS
  PROOF was analyzed in light of previous head-to-head studies comparing high- and low-frequency IFNB therapies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several limitations, including a retrospective-prospective design, retrospective assessment of variables without predefined criteria, limited prospective evaluation, and inadequate sample size, necessitate careful interpretation of their Results. Ultimately, the question of long-term efficacy of high- versus low-frequency INFB therapies remains unanswered.
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boster
authors.forename: Michael K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Racke
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins