The article called "Interferon Beta-1A for relapsing multiple sclerosis" in "The Medical Letter", Vol. 38 (Issue 979), July 19, 1996 announces that Interferon beta-1A (Avonex-Biogen) a recombinant form of human interferon beta, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of relapsing forms of MS. In trials comparing placebo and interferon beta-1a given intramuscularly once weekly in 301 patients with active relapsing MS, 29 (33%) of 87 placebo-treated patients showed progression in neurological signs of disability, compared to 18 (21%) of 85 patients treated with the interferon drug. Treated patients also had fewer exacerbations of the disease and fewer brain lesions as shown by MRI. Adverse effects of the interferon treatment were relatively mild (flu-like symptoms).
Interferon beta-1A treatment for MS is 6 million units injected intramuscularly once weekly, at a cost to the pharmacist of $852 for 4 injections, according to price listings in Micredata Plus, June 1996. Interferon beta-1b, which is injected subcutaneously every other day, costs the pharmacist $1080 for a 30 day supply.The article concludes "Clinical trials with interferon beta-1A have confirmed that interferon beta can decrease the frequency of exacerbations in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Whether int. 1a or 1B is more effective and whether either will substantially slow the progression of disability is unclear."
Now you can see why I wonder what human interferon, instead of recombinant, will do to help patients. Will there be less side effects, a more affordable treatment? Will Viragen ever go back up??? |
