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Evaluation of clinical effectiveness of interferon β-1b and direct comparison of interferons β-1b and β-1a in the treatment of sclerosis multiplex

Halina Bartosik-Psujek, Zbigniew Stelmasiak, Wojciech Kozubski, Oskar Pankiewicz

Affiliation and address for correspondence
Aktualn Neurol 2006, 6 (4), p. 224-231
Abstract

Background: The article presents results of systematic review focusing on clinical effectiveness and safety of interferon β-1b use in patients with multiple sclerosis and its direct comparison with interferon β-1a. Material and methods: The assessment is based on meta-analysis of the results of clinical trials identified in the systematic review that followed Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Primary endpoints related to therapy effectiveness and some secondary endpoints which may indirectly reflect intervention efficacy have been analyzed. Major electronic databases (incl. EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL) have been searched. Results: Interferon β-1b administered subcutaneously in a dose of 8 MIU each other day (e.o.d.) was found to have confirmed effectiveness with regard to analyzed primary endpoints and also an acceptable safety profile in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis during a period of 2-5 years and in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis during a period of 3 years. The potency of intervention is regarded as clinically significant. Effectiveness of interferon β-1b in primary multiple sclerosis has not been confirmed. On the basis of the results of a single clinical trial (INCOMIN) it is concluded that interferon β-1b administered subcutaneously in the dose of 8 MIU e.o.d. might have higher efficacy compared to 6 MIU once weekly intramuscular interferon β-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis during a period of 2 years. Conclusions: The results show that interferon β-1b is a medication with confirmed effectiveness in multiple sclerosis with relapsing activity and could be more effective than interferon β-1a given once a week. 

Keywords
interferon beta, systematic review, multiple sclerosis

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