Avonex (interferon-beta 1a)

#ECTRIMS2018 ā€” Biogen’s MS Treatments Found Safe, Effective in Clinical and Real-world Data

Clinical data and real-world results support the long-term efficacy of Biogenā€™s medications for multiple sclerosis (MS), according to scientific presentations being released by the company. Specifically, findings support the effectiveness ofĀ Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) and Tysabri (natalizumab) used early in the disease’s course, as well as the…

Gilenya More Effective Than Avonex in Lowering Relapse Rates, New Lesions in Children with Relapsing MS, Phase 3 Trial Shows

Two years of treatment with oral GilenyaĀ (fingolimod) significantly reduced the rate of relapses when compared toĀ AvonexĀ (interferon beta-1a) intramuscular injections in children and adolescents with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), according to Phase 3 clinical trial results. Additionally, Gilenya (marketed by Novartis) decreased the number of central nervous…

Single Gene Variant May Identify MS Patients at Risk of Liver Damage Linked to Interferon-Beta Use, Study Says

A genetic variant close to a gene called interferon regulatory factor 6Ā (IRF6) may help to predict those multiple sclerosis (MS) patients most at risk of liver injury while using interferon-beta therapies, a study reports. The study, ā€œCommon variation nearĀ IRF6Ā is associated with IFN-Ī²-induced liver injury in multiple sclerosisā€ was published…

Who Are You to Tell Me What MS Therapy I Need?

I’m used to seeing insurance companies here in the United States make decisions about MS therapies, including refusing to pay for certain treatments unless other, less expensive ones are tried first. These, of course, are decisions that should be made between patients and their doctors, not by insurers.

Gilenya Seen as Most Effective in Younger and Previously Untreated Patients with Relapsing MS

A study analyzing results from three Phase 3 clinical trials shows that Gilenya (fingolimod) effectively prevents relapses in different types of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with the therapy being most efficient in younger patients and those withoutĀ previous treatment. The findings highlight the importance of starting treatment early, and not…