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Early therapy of multiple sclerosis

Study shows positive effect of interferon beta-1b

It is not always easy for MS patients such as Eveline (right) from Bünzen, Switzerland, to lead a carefree life. Her daughter helps her to cope. Bayer is aiming to support people with MS through an international campaign entitled “Mastering MS.”

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It is not always easy for MS patients such as Eveline (right) from Bünzen, Switzerland, to lead a carefree life. Her daughter helps her to cope. Bayer is aiming to support people with MS through an international campaign entitled “Mastering MS.”

The five-year findings of the BENEFIT study, now available, point the way to a new strategy for early therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS). According to the data, consistent early therapy with interferon beta-1b significantly reduces the risk of suffering a further MS episode and thus of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis.

“Thus there is no doubt that early therapy is of tremendous importance with respect to the outlook for multiple sclerosis patients,” said Professor Ralf Gold from Bochum, commenting on the study results. At the same time, he pointed to the importance of patient compliance. “People with multiple sclerosis need to understand the benefits of long-term interferon therapy.”

In the BENEFIT study, 468 patients with first clinical symptoms and typical MS findings were treated with Betaferon® at two-day intervals.

In light of these results, Bayer Schering Pharma has developed a starter pack specifically designed for patients beginning treatment with Betaferon®. The starter pack helps the body adjust more slowly to the medication. This in turn facilitates the long-term continuation of therapy.