Application of Interferon Beta-1b in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Recombinant interferon beta-1b (IFNβ-1b) was the first approved disease-modifying therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by the world regulatory agencies for medical drugs and devices. IFNβ-1b significantly decreases the inflammatory component of MS but still has doubtable effect on the neurodegenerative component. This article appraises the beneficial effects of IFNβ-1b on clinical and imaging measures of disease. Upon only briefly discussing the side effects of the drug, it will conclude with some crucial scientific aspects warranting urgent investigations to precisely address the potentials of IFNβ-1b in MS patients.

A Population Approach to Characterize Interferon Beta‐1b Effect on Contrast Enhancing Lesions in Patients With Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

“…The effect of IFNβ‐1b beyond the blood brain barrier breakdown is, at the moment, poorly understood. It is known that the drug reduces the occurrence of black holes, a pathologically more advanced lesion type that may originate from up to 40% of CELs . Such a reduction, however, may be the indirect effect of a reduction in CEL count operated by IFNβ‐1b, not necessarily the effect of the medication in promoting the formation of CELs with less severe inflammation or ameliorating the outcome of the newly formed ones.…”