title: Rapid benefits of a new formulation of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
abstract: This study evaluated the efficacy of a new formulation of subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN)-beta1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients (n = 180) were randomized (2 : 1) to IFN-beta1a or placebo for 16 weeks; all patients then received IFN-beta1a for 24 weeks. Monthly brain MRI was performed. At week 16, the mean number of combined unique active (CUA) lesions was lower with IFN-beta1a than with placebo (p < 0.001; 69% fewer lesions). The mean cumulative number of CUA lesions was already lower with IFN-beta1a by week 4 (post hoc analysis; p = 0.015). The new formulation of sc IFN-beta1a has rapid beneficial effects on MRI outcomes in RRMS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological and Behavioral Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. destefano@unisi.it
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: De Stefano
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Curtin
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stubinski
authors.forename: Gregg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Blevins
authors.forename: Jelena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Drulovic
authors.forename: Delphine
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Issard
authors.forename: Penko
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shotekov
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gasperini
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a