Neurológia pre prax 4/2017

PEGylated interferon beta-1a: a novel interferon in treating multiple sclerosis

Another drug for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) has been introduced into the market in recent months. It is the so-called “PEGylated” interferon beta-1a. It is the original interferon beta-1a molecule, which has been known in the treatment of MS for two decades, but has newly been bound to a molecule of polyethylene glycol (PEG), which provides it with some properties improving the overall profile of the original interferon molecule. The article summarizes the profile of efficacy on clinical and radiological parameters and the safety profile of the drug established by the pivotal clinical trial ADVANCE as well as by its extension study, called ATTAIN. PEGylated interferon beta-1a has now expanded the portfolio of first-line disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) used in the treatment of clinically isolated syndrome or relapsing-remitting MS.

Keywords: interferon beta-1a, pegylation, relapse, disability, MRI, NEDA concept