Author: Zwibel, H. L.

Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Volume 113, Number 6, June 2006 , pp. 378-386(9)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Zwibel HL. Glatiramer acetate in treatment-naïve and prior interferon-β-1b-treated multiple sclerosis patients

Acta Neurol Scand 2006: 113: 378–386.

© Blackwell Munksgaard 2006. Objective – 

This prospective, open-label study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of glatiramer acetate (GA) in treatment-naïve relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and in patients who had previously received interferon-β (IFN-β)-1b therapy. Methods – 

Two treatment cohorts were defined based on prestudy IFN-β-1b use. At entry, prior IFN-β-1b patients (n = 247) were older, had longer disease duration, and had higher mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, relapse rates, and ambulation indexes than treatment-naïve patients (n = 558). Safety was assessed every 3 months and EDSS every 6 months for up to 3.5 years. Results – 

Overall, 247 treatment-naïve and 107 prior IFN-β-1b patients discontinued before study end. Median GA treatment durations were 36 and 24 months in treatment-naïve and prior IFN-β-1b patients, respectively. At last observation, annual relapse rates had declined by 75% in both cohorts (0.42 ± 0.84 and 0.34 ± 0.71 in treatment-naïve and prior IFN-β-1b groups, respectively, P = 0.1482). Mean changes in EDSS were less than 0.5 in both cohorts, regardless of entry EDSS, at 12 and 18 months and at last observation. Conclusions – 

Prior IFN-β-1b treatment does not negatively influence the efficacy, safety, or tolerability of subsequent GA therapy. Switching to GA can benefit patients who discontinue IFN-β therapy.

Keywords: Betaseron; Copaxone; EDSS; glatiramer acetate; interferon-β-1b; relapse; relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.2006.00627.x

Publication date: 2006-06-01

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Neurology & Psychiatry
• By this author: Zwibel, H. L.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers