High dose interferon-β-1b effective in both early and advanced MS

High-dose interferon-β-1b ['Betaferon', 'Betaseron'] is effective in the treatment of early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and also primary progressive and transitional progressive MS, according to studies presented at the 55th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology [Honolulu, US; March−April 2003]. A subgroup analysis of data from a placebo-controlled phase III study showed that treatment with high-dose interferon-β-1b reduced MRI lesion area and reduced relapse rates in patients with early-stage MS and those only limited disability. A second study presented at the meeting indicated that treatment with interferon-β-1b offered significant benefits for patients with progressive MS, with significant reductions in the numbers of T-1 and T-2 MRI lesions, and some reduction in disability scores.