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Abstract
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the CNS characterized in most cases by a relapsing and remitting disease course, often followed by a progressive course. There are many available injectable therapies for the relapsing-remitting form of MS (RRMS); however, efficacy can be affected by poor adherence and compliance, and an increased frequency of side effects as a result of frequent injections is seen.
Areas covered: This review focuses on the use of subcutaneous PEGylated IFNβ-1a (PEGIFN β-1a) in RRMS. The pharmacological data in addition to clinical safety and tolerability are analyzed. The clinical efficacy is assessed by evaluating results of various end points used in the ADVANCE Phase III study and the differences between treatment groups over 2 years.
Expert opinion: We discuss the significance of the ADVANCE trial results and how the results compare to other products on the market. Due to a lack of head-to-head comparison of PEGIFN β-1a with other types of drugs for RRMS, it is difficult to draw conclusion about the superiority of the drug. We also discuss whether the results can be applied to patients with more severe forms of the disease. Overall, PEGIFN β-1a is a promising addition to the repertoire of emerging drugs for the treatment of RRMS.
Declaration of interest
CS Constantinescu has received research support, travel support for meetings and consultancy fees from Biogen Idec, Bayer-Schering, Merck Serono, Novartis, Sanofi-Pasteur, MSD and Teva. R Tanasescu has received travel support for meetings from Biogen-Idec, Novartis and Teva. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents, received or pending, or royalties.