Abstract
The EVIDENCE trial demonstrated that interferon (IFN) beta-1a, 44 mcg subcutaneously
(sc) three times weekly (tiw) (Rebif®), was significantly more effective than IFN
beta-1a, 30 mcg intramuscularly (im) once weekly (qw) (Avonex®), in reducing relapses
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity in patients with relapsing–remitting
multiple sclerosis at both 24 and 48 weeks of therapy. We now present final comparative
data on these patients, showing that the superior efficacy of IFN beta-1a, 44mcg sc tiw, for relapse measures and MRI activity, compared with IFN beta-1a, 30mcg im qw, was sustained for at least 16 months. The development of antibodies to
IFN was associated with reduced efficacy on MRI measures and fewer IFN-related adverse
events, but did not have an impact on relapse outcomes.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 2,
2005
Received in revised form:
June 29,
2005
Received:
December 30,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
