Interferon beta-1b

Cytokine in the interferon family

Interferon beta 1b is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat the relapsing remitting and secondary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is approved for use after the first MS event. Closely related is interferon beta 1a, also indicated for MS, with a very similar drug profile.

Interferon beta balances the expression of pro and anti inflammatory agents in the brain, and reduces the number of inflammatory cells that cross the blood brain barrier. Overall, therapy with interferon beta leads to a reduction of neuron inflammation. Many patients report influenza like symptoms hours after taking interferon beta that usually improve within 24 hours, being such symptoms related to the temporary increase of cytokines. This reaction tends to disappear after 3 months of treatment and its symptoms can be treated with over the counter nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, that reduce fever and pain. Treatment with interferons after an initial attack decreases the risk of developing clinical definite MS.

Medications are modestly effective at decreasing the number of attacks in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and in reducing the accumulation of brain lesions, which is measured using gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They can be classified in genetic, pharmacological and pathogenetic non responders. While more studies of the long term effects of the drugs are needed, More recent data suggest that interferon betas does not hasten disability. Interferon β exacerbates Th17 mediated inflammatory disease.

Betaferon/Betaseron is marketed today by Bayer Pharma. The originator was Schering AG (Berlex in North America), now part of Bayer Pharma. Novartis has also introduced Extavia, a new brand of interferon beta 1b, in 2009.