Interferon beta-1b efficacy
The importance of efficacy
Interferon beta-1b is a first-line therapy for MS that works fast to help control disease activity, provides persistent efficacy, and demonstrates a compelling delay in EDSS progression with long-term use.
Published clinical studies have shown that Interferon beta-1b has important therapeutic effects in patients with a single clinical event suggestive of multiple sclerosis (CIS), relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).
They show that the administration of Interferon beta-1b to patients affected by RRMS reduces the frequency (up to 30%) and severity of clinical relapses. A reduction in the number of hospitalisations due to the disease was also observed. For patients suffering from SPMS and still experiencing relapses, Interferon beta-1b is used to slow the progression of disease and to reduce the frequency of attacks.
Moreover, Interferon beta-1b shows a significant beneficial effect on magnetic ressonance imaging (MRI) scans. It significantly reduces MRI-measured disease activity and accumulation of lesion area in the brain (disease burden).
Additionally, Bayer Pharma AG conducted a long-term study (Interferon beta-1b 16-Year Long-term Follow-up Study) that showed that Interferon beta-1b remained consistently safe, effective and well tolerated over the long-term.
Benefit of high-dose, high frequency treatment
Studies have shown the positive and lasting effects of certain high-dose, high frequency treatments for relapsing forms of MS.
According to guidelines issued by the American Academy of Neurology, higher doses of a medication such as Interferon beta-1b appear to be more beneficial than lower doses. A high-frequency treatment, such as Interferon beta-1b can help maintain the levels of medication that your body needs in the fight against MS.
Benefits of early treatment
Over the last few years the concept of a very early treatment in MS has been recommended by MS experts throughout the world. Very early diagnosis of MS is now more possible due to recent advances in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology and a greater understanding of the condition.
Evidence from recent studies suggests that timely treatment with beta-interferon can have a positive effect on the early stages of the condition.
Treating MS early can help to:
• delay the onset of the next relapse or set of symptoms
• reduce the overall level of MS activity in the brain
• prevent future permanent injury to the nerve axons
The power of long-term MS treatment
Since the date of approval, Interferon beta-1b remained a top choice of many physicians because it has the longest record of efficacy and safety in fighting MS.
Long-term studies, as well as the real-life experiences of people taking Interferon beta-1b, continue to demonstrate the success of this effective therapy over time. Continued treatment with Interferon beta-1b can help reduce the severity of MS and provide people with satisfying results far into the future.
Treatment effects of Interferon beta-1b
Overall, Interferon beta-1b has the potential to:
• Slow down the progression of MS
• Reduce the severity and frequency of relapses and increase relapse-free time
• Reduce the number of days spent in hospital due to MS
• Reduce the amount of corticosteroids needed for acute treatment
• Reduce MS activity as shown by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) images of the brain
Scientific studies have also shown that people on Interferon beta-1b spent more time in better shape and had a better quality of life when compared to those that were not on treatment.
There is also evidence emerging that some of the available immunomodulating treatments, such as Interferon beta-1b, may not only prevent the inflammatory MS activity which is associated with the usually reversible symptoms of MS. They may also offer some protection against future and more permanent damage to the nerve axons.
