Twenty-four-month comparison of immunomodulatory treatments - a retrospective open label study in 308 RRMS patients treated with beta interferons or glatiramer acetate (Copaxone).

A total of 308 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) documented in a clinical database have been analysed for comparison of treatment effects of first line immunomodulating therapies. During follow up for 24 months the reduction of relapse rates was evaluated in a retrospective and open-label clinical study by comparing the efficacy of interferon (INF)beta-1a i.m. (Avonex), INFbeta-1b s.c. (Betaferon), INFbeta-1a 22 microg s.c. (Rebif 22) and glatiramer acetate (GA; Copaxone) in patients with RRMS (enhanced disability status score (EDSS) < 3.5) who have been treated for at least 6 months. Compared with baseline, relapse rate was reduced to a comparable extend after 6 month treatment with all regimen. For all drugs the effect on the relapse rate was sustained over 24 months.. There was no superiority of one of the INFbeta preparations concerning reduction of relapse rate after 12 and 24 months, however reduction was significantly higher for patients treated with GA compared with all beta interferons (-0.71, P < 0.001). In addition, the discontinuation rate within 24 months was significantly lower for GA. Despite some limitations of the study design, the results provide helpful clinical information regarding the efficacy of immunomodulatory therapies in early stages of RRMS patients in a clinical setting.