Information on Betaseron ( Interferon Beta -1b)

Betaseron, officially known as Interferon Beta -1b, is a common drug treatment for patients with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. The drug helps to reduce both the relapse rate and severity of symptoms. It also reduces accumulation of lesions on the brain, but it has no effect on the accumulation of disability. As a result, it does not help people with primary or secondary progressive MS.

Betaseron is a type of interferon, a protein which is naturally produced by the body to function in anti-viral and immunoregulatory activities. Interferon Beta-1b, this specific type of interferon, is specific to human beings. It is now artificially manufactured as Betaseron.(12) Although it is still unclear as to how Betaseron works in decreasing the frequency and severity of exacerbations, it is known that it operates in conjunction with cell receptors on the surface of human cells to regulate immune responses including the body's immune response against myelin.

While Betaseron is a drug that is helpful to many patients with Multiple Sclerosis, there are also a number of difficulties that come from taking the drug. Severe flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and sweating often accompany the use of the drug. Betaseron can only be taken by injection because interferons are proteins and therefore can easily be destroyed by acids in the stomach. As a result, there may be complications that occur as a result of frequent injection such as redness, pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site.

The largest problem with the use of Betaseron, however, is that in 35% of the people who use Betaseron, the immune system builds up antibodies against it. These antibodies attack the drug as it circulates throughout the body and this usually neutralizes the benefits of the drug after about 18 months of use. While researchers are looking for ways in which to demobilize these antibodies, such a solution has yet to be found.(13)

For a brief summary of these other dugs, click below:

• Avonex (Interferon Beta -1a) for relapsing-remitting MS
• Copaxone (Copolymer 1) for relapsing-remitting MS
• Zanaflex for treatment of muscle spacisity
• Corticosteroids for primary or secondary progressive MS
• ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) for primary or secondary progressive MS

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• Unclear Signals: Understanding Multiple Sclerosis is First Step Towards a Cure