Is Interferon-β Ineffective at Reducing Disability in MS?

Interferon-β did not reduce risk for progressing to using a cane in this controversial, population-based analysis.

Clinical trials of interferon-β (IFN-β) in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) have demonstrated reduction in sustained disability progression during 2-year follow-up (Ann Neurol 1996; 39:285 and Lancet 1998; 352:1498). Based on circumstantial evidence, IFN-β is assumed to be effective over many years, leading to a reduced risk for secondary-progressive MS. To investigate further, researchers conducted a population-based, case-control study, analyzing the risk for progression to sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 6.0 (requiring assistance to walk 100 meters). They compared 868 patients treated with IFN-β from 1995 to 2004 with two control groups: a contemporary group (829 patients untreated during the same pe…

Reviewing Author

Robert T. Naismith, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)

Robert T. Naismith, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)