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Effects of interferon beta‐1a and ‐1b over time: 6‐year results of an observational head‐to‐head study
Author(s) -
Patti F.,
Pappalardo A.,
Florio C.,
Politi G.,
Fiorilla T.,
Reggio E.,
Reggio A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00565.x
Subject(s) - interferon beta 1a , medicine , beta (programming language) , multiple sclerosis , interferon beta 1b , observational study , gastroenterology , interferon beta , immunology , computer science , programming language
Objective – To evaluate and compare the long‐term efficacy and safety of two different β ‐interferon preparations (IFN‐ β ‐1a vs IFN‐ β ‐1b). Materials and methods – Two parallel outpatient groups with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), according to Poser criteria, were treated with either intramuscular IFN‐ β ‐1a 30 μ g (group A, n = 62) or subcutaneous IFN‐ β ‐1b 250 μ g (group B, n = 64). Results – A statistically significant reduction was seen in the relapse rate ( P < 0.0001) in both groups. No significant difference was found between the two groups ( P = 0.43). After 6 years of therapy, the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 3.22 ± 1.47 (Δ 1.03 ± 1.35) in group A and 3.34 ± 1.47 (Δ 0.97 ± 1.47) in group B ( P = 0.47). Conclusions – Our study results suggest that the efficacy of IFN‐ β ‐1a 30 μ g once weekly and SC IFN‐ β ‐1b 250 μ g every other day is similar. Both IFN‐ β ‐1a and IFN‐ β ‐1b are effective in slowing disability progression.