Reports from the Field
Drug delays onset of multiple sclerosis
An ongoing study of Interferon beta-1a indicates that the therapy significantly reduces the rate at which individuals at high risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) develop clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS). Researchers found that the therapy, manufactured under the brand name Avonex by Biogen in Cambridge, MA, reduced the rate of development of CDMS by 44% over treatment with placebo.
In addition, Avonex showed a highly significant positive impact in reducing the rate at which patients developed brain abnormalities, or lesions, visible on MRI scans. These findings indicate that the increase in brain MRI lesion volume was 91% lower in patients treated with Avonex compared to the placebo group.
The CHAMPS (Controlled High Risk Subjects Avonex Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Study) trial was originally designed to last three years, but was stopped in 2000 following a planned interim efficacy analysis. An independent data monitoring committee determined that the benefit of Avonex treatment was significant enough to halt the trial in order to expedite the filing for registration for this important indication.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted at 50 clinical centers in the United States and Canada and involved more than 383 patients who were determined to have a high probability of developing CDMS based on brain MRI changes and clinical events consistent with MS. Study participants received either 30 mcg of Avonex or placebo, injected intramuscularly once a week for up to three years.
Additional information on Avonex is available on the Biogen Web site at www.biogen.com.
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