Interferon beta-1a in children with multiple sclerosis is well tolerated

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease rare in children. Currently marketed disease modifying therapies are limited to adults. Objective: To determine the tolerability of interferon beta-1 a (IFNB-1 a) 30 mcg injected intramuscularly once a week in children with clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Design/Methods: A standardized questionnaire was sent to neurologists in the United States to determine the tolerability of IFNB-1 a in patients younger than 16 years. Results: Tolerability data were available for 9 of 33 children who were reported to initiate IFNB-1 a. Mean age on initiating treatment was 12.7 years (range 8-15) and mean duration of therapy was 17 months (range 5-36). No patient discontinued therapy due to an adverse event. Conclusions: Preliminary data indicate that weekly intramuscular injections of IFNB-1 a are well tolerated.