title: Comparative efficacy of interferon β versus glatiramer acetate for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Interferon β (INFβ) and glatiramer acetate (GA) are widely used in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, it is still unclear whether they have different efficacy. We performed a systematic search of head-to-head trials for gaining objective reliable data to compare the two drugs, using the Cochrane Collaboration methodology. We identified five randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) (2858 participants) comparing directly INFβ versus GA in RRMS. All studies were at high risk for attrition bias. Both therapies showed similar efficacy at 24 months, considering clinical (patients with relapse or progression) and one MRI activity (enhancing lesions) measure. At 3 years, evidence from a single study showed that the relapse rate was higher in the INFβ group than in the GA group (risk ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.74, p 0.002). However, the average reduction in T2-weighted and T1-weighted lesion volume was significantly greater in the INFβ group than in the GA group (mean difference (MD) -0.58, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.18, p 0.004, and MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.07, p 0.003, respectively). The number of participants who dropped out of the studies because of adverse events was similar in the two groups. These data support clinicians in the use of these therapies, based on their similar safety and efficacy in the prevention of disease activity, although the different effect on MRI measures and the different tolerability might have a role in the therapeutic choice at the individual level.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurorehabilitation-Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente-Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milano, Italy Department of Neurosciences-Multiple Sclerosis Centre, AO Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Loredana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: La Mantia
authors.affiliation: Regional Epidemiology Unit SeREMI- CochraneVaccines Field, Local Health Unit Alessandria-ASL AL, Alessandria, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Pietrantonj
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurorehabilitation-Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Santa Maria Nascente-Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rovaris
authors.affiliation: Primary Care, Azienda ULSS 20 Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rigon
authors.affiliation: Dialogo sui Farmaci Srl, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Serena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Frau
authors.affiliation: Drug Efficacy Evaluation Unit (UVEF)-Veneto Regional Drug Information Center, Azienda Opsedaliera di Verona-Department of Pharmacy, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Berardo
authors.affiliation: Regional Health Service, Azienda ULSS 21-Legnago, Legnago, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gandini
authors.affiliation: Primary Care, Azienda ULSS 20 Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Longobardi
authors.affiliation: Director Jacobs MS Center and Pediatric MS Center of Excellence, SUNY University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Bianca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Weinstock-Guttman
authors.affiliation: Primary Care, Azienda ULSS 20 Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vaona
mesh_terms: D018450:Disease Progression; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D066127:White Matter / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta
keywords: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS