Benefits of high-dose, high-frequency interferon beta-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis are sustained to 16 months: final comparative results of the EVIDENCE trial

J Neurol Sci. 2005 Dec 15;239(1):67-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2005.08.003. Epub 2005 Sep 19.

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Central Nervous System / immunology
  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interferon beta-1a
  • Interferon-beta / administration & dosage*
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects
  • Interferon-beta / immunology
  • International Cooperation
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / physiopathology
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Time
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antibodies
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon beta-1a