Interferon-β for Relapsing MS: How Effective?

Interferons are currently recommended for all patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Whereas trials lasting 3 to 5 years have shown a benefit in these patients, trial extensions beyond this timeframe have provided limited evidence. Thus, the long-term effectiveness of immunomodulatory treatment of MS remains unsettled.

Researchers now report on a large observational study carried out in two centers. Eleven hundred interferon-β–treated patients were compared with 400 patients who, for one reason or another, did not receive interferon treatment. Follow-up lasted up to 7 years (median, 5.7 years). The results of follow-up strongly favored interferon treatment. All three outcome measurements — time to the secondary-progressive…