Bayer releases new Betaferon MS data
2 May 2007 00:00 in Pharmaceutical Company Product News
Bayer Schering Pharma has announced the presentation of new data from the Betaferon (interferon beta-1b) in new emerging multiple sclerosis (MS) for initial treatment trials at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Boston, Massachusetts.
The study showed that patients receiving Betaferon treatment immediately after exhibiting a first event suggestive of MS displayed a significant reduction in the risk of permanent neurological impairment.
As measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, patients saw a 40 per cent reduction in the risk of such impairment over three years, compared to those who had delayed treatment.
Betaferon is approved in Europe for all relapsing forms of MS and has been used a treatment for 16 years.
Dr Mark S Freedman, professor of neurology at the University of Ottawa, said: "Some patients have already developed significant neurological damage when they first present with signs of MS, which can lead to accumulated disability later in life."
He added that the study results show that this damage can be reduced by administration with Betaferon, which can prolong the delay before the onset of debilitating MS symptoms.
Last month, Bayer Schering Pharma released trial results showing that the appearance of neutralising antibodies in the bodies of patients administered with Betaferon does not provide an indication of clinical response to treatment in all cases.
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