Course of interferon beta-1b (Betaferon (R)) therapy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Survey results

In a survey of disease course, the efficacy and tolerability of 24-month in terferon B-lb therapy for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) wer e evaluated in 410 patients. The investigation aimed at obtaining data from general practice and of possibly unknown, unexpected adverse reactions. In the 241 patients still on therapy, efficacy was rated after 24 months as " good" or "very good" in 75% of cases. After 24 months, 36.9% of the patient s had no exacerbation (baseline 0.3%). Annual exacerbation rates dropped fr om 1.5 before treatment to 0.7 in the second treatment year. In the 2 years before treatment, 66.2% had worsened by at least 0.5 points on the extende d disability status scale (EDSS). This proportion was reduced to 41.2% afte r 2 years of treatment. The safety profile corresponded to results from con trolled trials. This postmarketing survey supports data from the published controlled interferon beta -1b studies and confirms the main effects of thi s therapy under routine conditions in general practice.