Recombinant human interferon beta in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a review of the major clinical trials

The beneficial effects of interferon beta (IFN-β) on disease activity in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have been confirmed in several clinical trials. Three IFN-β products are currently available and licensed for use in RRMS at different dosages and with different routes of administration. For the prescribing physician, therefore, questions remain about the effect these differences may have on the success of therapy. This paper reviews the four large placebo-controlled clinical trials that have been conducted with IFN-β in patients with RRMS. The evidence available indicates that optimal results are likely to be achieved with the highest tolerable dosage of IFN-β. Furthermore, as inflammatory brain lesions in MS have been shown to exhibit more extensive and early axonal damage than previously suspected, early treatment may be advisable in order to delay disease progression in RRMS.