Interferon-β_1a treatment for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Although multiple sclerosis is probably the most common cause of neurologic disability in young adults, the cause is unknown, the prognosis uncertain and available treatments unsatisfactory. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the CNS and the result of both environmental factors and susceptibility genes. The prognosis is difficult or impossible to predict at the time of diagnosis. Treatments that modulate the course of the disease have only recently become available but the long-term aim to prevent disability and promote repair remains distant. Interferon-β is the most widely used therapy. The efficacy of interferon-β in the short term is well documented in many large treatment trials, but the treatment effects are only modest and many issues relating to efficacy in the long term are unresolved. These include uncertain benefit on conversion to secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis, the relevance of neutralizing antibodies and the controversial effect on multiple sclerosis-related brain atrophy.

Keywords::

• autoimmune disorder
• benefit–risk
• interferon-β
• multiple sclerosis
• neutralizing antibodies

Disclosures

The author has been a member of the steering committees in treatment trials sponsored by Biogen, Serono and Active Biotech Research but has received no personal compensation. She has received travel grants to attend scientific meetings.