Hans-Peter Hartung1. 1. Heinrich-Heine-University, Department of Neurology, Moorenstreet 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. hans-peter.hartung@uni-duesseldorf.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is at present no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), and existing therapies are designed primarily to prevent lesion formation, decrease the rate and severity of relapses and delay the resulting disability by reducing levels of inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to assess the treatment of relapsing MS with particular focus on subcutaneous (s.c.) interferon (IFN) beta-1a. METHOD: The literature on IFN beta-1a therapy of MS was reviewed based on a PubMed search (English-language publications from 1990) including its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy in relapsing MS as shown in placebo-controlled studies and in comparative trials, efficacy in secondary progressive MS, safety and tolerability, and the impact of neutralizing antibodies. CONCLUSION: The literature suggests that high-dose, high-frequency s.c. IFN beta-1a offers an effective option for treating patients with relapsing MS, with proven long-term safety and tolerability, and has a favourable benefit-to-risk ratio compared with other forms of IFN beta.
BACKGROUND: There is at present no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), and existing therapies are designed primarily to prevent lesion formation, decrease the rate and severity of relapses and delay the resulting disability by reducing levels of inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to assess the treatment of relapsing MS with particular focus on subcutaneous (s.c.) interferon (IFN) beta-1a. METHOD: The literature on IFN beta-1a therapy of MS was reviewed based on a PubMed search (English-language publications from 1990) including its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy in relapsing MS as shown in placebo-controlled studies and in comparative trials, efficacy in secondary progressive MS, safety and tolerability, and the impact of neutralizing antibodies. CONCLUSION: The literature suggests that high-dose, high-frequency s.c. IFN beta-1a offers an effective option for treating patients with relapsing MS, with proven long-term safety and tolerability, and has a favourable benefit-to-risk ratio compared with other forms of IFN beta.
Authors: Bernard Uitdehaag; Cris Constantinescu; Peter Cornelisse; Douglas Jeffery; Ludwig Kappos; David Li; Magnhild Sandberg-Wollheim; Anthony Traboulsee; Elisabetta Verdun; Victor Rivera Journal: Ther Adv Neurol Disord Date: 2011-01 Impact factor: 6.570
Authors: Clemens Warnke; Heinz Wiendl; Hans-Peter Hartung; Olaf Stüve; Bernd C Kieseier Journal: Drug Des Devel Ther Date: 2010-07-21 Impact factor: 4.162