HOT off the CMSC Press: Rebif at first sign of MS delays progression

Starting interferon-beta-1a (Rebif New Formulation) immediately upon an episode of a clinically isolated syndrome delayed progression to full-blown multiple sclerosis, but once-weekly treatment was less effective than [...]

• Caroline says: Rebif is more effective than Avonex at delaying time to diagnosis of clinically definite MS after a first clinical event (CIS), according to researchers at the annual consortium of MS centers. The study's purpose was to determine if more frequent interferon dosing was more effective than once-weekly dosing.
   

• Related Links:
• http://www.mstrust.org.uk/news/recentstories/article.jsp?id=4737…

• HOT off the ECTRIMS Press: Copaxone after CIS delays MS onset

  The study reached both its primary and secondary clinical and MRI endpoints, all of which were significantly positive. Earlier initiation of treatment with Copaxone significantly slowed the [...]

  • Caroline says: Most of the CRABS have now been approved to treat a CIS (clinically isolated syndrome). The data are compelling that early initiation after a first incidence of possible MS can delay disease onset.
     
  • Related Links:
  • http://www.marketwatch.com/story/early-initiation-of-treatment-with-copaxone-r-p…
  
  

  • Copaxone Used for First-Episode/CIS Halves MS Risk

    PARIS — Early treatment with a key drug to fight multiple sclerosis (MS) nearly halves the risk of progression to the full-blown disease, according to a study [...]

    • Caroline says: Copaxone was studied in first-episode/clinically isolated syndrome "CIS"/possible MS patients and it was found to reduce the risk of clinically definite MS by 45%. That's serious.
       
    
    

    • First 10-Year Follow-Up Shows That AVONEX® Leads To Long-Term Benefits In Early MS Pts

      July 4, 2009 Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced data results from the CHAMPIONS (Controlled High-Risk AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Prevention Study In Ongoing Neurologic Surveillance) [...]

      • Caroline says: Avonex, Betaseron, and Copaxone have all been approved to treat a first episode of possible MS (Rebif is currently recruiting for their Ph III trial and not far behind in FDA approval). These findings are very significant for those with a first episode because they determine that there was a 40% reduction in conversion to clinically definite MS in pts treated immediately after a first episode. I think that all 10-year follow up studies involving interferons being administered after a first episode will yield similar results. This is very good news for those with a first episode or "possible MS".
         
      
      

      • Copaxone FDA approved for First Episode (CIS, for you seasoned readers)

        COPAXONE(R) Approved By The FDA For Patients With A First Clinical Event Suggestive Of Multiple Sclerosis Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA), today announced that the U.S. [...]

        • Caroline says: Copaxone has been FDA approved to treat a first clinical event suggestive of MS. Avonex and Betaseron already have this approval and Rebif is doing a study to get it. Interesting, and could definitely change the lives of many people with a first event. It will be interesting to see how many patients are actually prescribed one of these after a first event-- it might be harder to inject yourself for a "possible" diagnosis. But this does mean that insurance will need to cover these, which is important.