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Betaseron (interferon beta 1b)
Drug identification number (DIN): 02169649
Bayer Inc.
Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) is a beta-interferon that is produced from bacterial cells using recombinant DNA techniques (a series of procedures used to join together DNA segments). Beta-interferon is a protein that occurs naturally in the human body in response to initiating factors such as viruses.
Betaseron is indicated for the treatment of:
Betaseron is self-injected every other day under the skin (subcutaneously). Betaseron is available in a diluent (diluting agent) pre-filled syringe. The syringes are pre-filled with a salt-water solution to mix with the active medication, which is in a powder form. The recommended dose of Betaseron is 250 mcg every other day.
The main effects of Betaseron are to block the activity of certain immune system cells and to reduce the passage of these immune cells into the central nervous system, where they cause inflammation and damage to myelin (the insulating material that protects nerves and helps them work properly).
The most common side effects of Betaseron therapy include
flu-like symptoms (fatigue, chills, fever, muscle aches, and
sweating) and injection site reactions (swelling, redness,
discolouration, and pain). Most of these symptoms tend to
improve over time.
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects
of Betaseron. Please see the Betaseron product monograph for a list of other
potentially serious side effects.It is important that those
with MS discuss side effects about any medication they are
considering with their physician. (*Health Canada, product
monograph for Betaseron.)
Some people taking a beta-interferon therapy develop neutralizing anti- bodies (NAb). It is not known if NAbs completely “neutralize” the clinical benefits of therapy. Some research has found that a higher NAb level may be associated with a lesser treatment effect. Studies are continuing in this area, as is the development of a standardized NAb test.
Clinical Trials in Relapsing-Remitting MS
Interferon Beta Multiple Sclerosis Study Group
In
this clinical trial, 372 people with relapsing-remitting MS
received Betaseron at a dose of either 1.6 MIU or 8 MIU, or
placebo (a treatment that has no active medication) for 2
years. Compared to placebo, Betaseron reduced the annual attack
rate by about 30%.1 Betaseron also reduced disease activity, as
measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), by 80% compared
to placebo.2 MRI is a powerful tool that provides images of the
brain, spinal cord, or other areas of the body. It is often
used in MS to identify areas of inflammation.
Clinical Trials in Secondary-Progressive MS
European Study in Secondary-Progressive MS
In this
study, 718 people with secondary-progressive MS received either
Betaseron or placebo for up to 3 years. Compared to placebo,
Betaseron delayed progression of disability for 9-12 months.
Betaseron also reduced the attack rate by 31%.3 In another
analysis, MRI scans showed that Betaseron reduced the number of
new lesions compared to placebo.4 [Miller et al. Ann Neurol
1999; 46: 850–859]
The final analysis (mean 35 month follow-up) of this study
confirmed the benefits of Betaseron over placebo with respect
to progression and relapses.5 [Kappos et al. Neurology 2001;
57: 1969-1975]
North American Study in Secondary-Progressive
MS
The North American study of Betaseron involved 939
individuals with secondary-progressive MS. In this trial,
treatment with Betaseron failed to show a significant
difference in the time to progression compared to placebo,
although there were improvements in relapses and MRI brain
lesions.6
Clinical Trials: Single Event Suggestive of MS
BENEFIT trial: Betaferon in Newly Emerging Multiple
Sclerosis for Initial Treatment
This study examined whether Betaseron could reduce conversion
to clinically definite MS in people who had a first clinical
event suggestive of MS (an event involving the optic nerve,
brain stem/cerebellum, or spinal cord) and at least two
clinically silent brain lesions on MRI. A total of 468 were
treated with Betaseron or placebo for up to 2 years. The
probability of developing clinically definite MS over 2 years
was 45% with placebo compared to 28% with Betaseron, for an
absolute risk reduction of 17% and a relative risk reduction of
38%.7
The price of Betaseron is approximately $20,000 per year. Much of the cost can be reimbursed through private and group health plans for people who meet the prescribing criteria, and through provincial drug programs for individuals who meet the prescribing criteria.
Betaplus at 1-800 977-2770. Please discuss any other questions about treatment options with your physician.
Betaseron® is a registered trademark of Bayer Inc.