Synonyms
Avonex®; Betaseron®; Rebif®
Definition
Interferon β is a disease-modifying drug currently indicated for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Its mechanism of action is complex and is presumed to inhibit immune system T-cell activation and migration into the central nervous system as well as modulate the action of some pro-inflammatory proteins (cytokines). There are three FDA approved beta interferons available in the US - Avonex® (INF-β1a), Betaseron® (INF-β1b), and Rebif® (INF-β1a). These medications are administered via injection, and each has been shown to reduce the frequency of MS relapses, reduce MRI evidence of brain lesions, and possibly reduce disability progression.
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References and Readings
National Clinical Advisory Board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2007). Disease management consensus statement. Retrieved 15 Feb 2010, from http://www.nationalmssociety.org/download.aspx?id=8.
Noseworthy, J., Miller, D., & Compston, A. (2006). Disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis. In A. Compston, C. Confavreux, H. Lassman, I. McDonald, D. Miller, J. Noseworthy, et al. (Eds.), McAlpine’s multiple sclerosis (4th ed., pp. 729–802). Philadelphia: Elsevier.
Zhang, J., Hutton, G., & Zang, Y. (2002). A comparison of the mechanisms of action of interferon beta and glatiramer acetate in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Clinical Therapeutics, 24, 1998–2021.
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Fuchs, K.L. (2018). Beta-Interferons. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_517
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_517
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