Treatment of multiple sclerosis with human beta interferon.

The present manuscript uses an evidence-based approach to review and analyse evidence for the use of human beta interferon in the treatment of MS. Human beta interferon modulates many of the biological processes believed to be involved in MS development. Beta interferon is a member of a large family of secreted proteins that are involved in an organisms defence against viral infections, cell growth regulation and in modulation of immune response. The therapeutic efficacy of beta interferon in relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS has been established in several clinical trials, and evidence indicates that the total weekly dosage of beta interferon and/or the frequency of beta interferon administration are important factors in its clinical use. Future therapeutic developments in MS will be fuelled by our increasing understanding of the physical and biological roles of the interferons, in health and in MS pathogenesis.