title: Current perspectives on interferon Beta-1b for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Interferon (IFN) beta-1b was the first disease-modifying therapy to be approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), and over 21 years of follow-up data demonstrate its efficacy and long-term safety profile. Following recent regulatory approvals in the USA and European Union, IFN beta-1b is now one of the seven disease-modifying therapies [intramuscular IFN beta-1a; subcutaneous (SC) IFN beta-1a; IFN beta-1b SC; glatiramer acetate SC; oral dimethyl fumarate; oral teriflunomide; and intravenous alemtuzumab] indicated for first-line use in relapsing-remitting MS. Here we review the clinical trial and follow-up data for IFN beta-1b and discuss factors that clinicians may consider when selecting this treatment, both at first line in early MS, and later in the disease course.
authors.affiliation: kbo-Isar-Amper-Klinikum München-Ost, Haar, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marziniak
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meuth
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta