Interferons are small soluble proteins, or glycoproteins that, as ‘messenger substances’, modulate immune responses. There are various different interferons, which have quite different effects on the inflammation process in MS. The effect of interferon-beta is to reduce modulation of the immune responses, so as to reduce the activity of the disease.
There are two types of interferon-beta:
- interferon-beta 1a is produced in mammalian cells by recombinant genetic techniques;
- interferon-beta 1b is produced in bacterial cells by recombinant genetic techniques.
Interferon-beta 1b differs from naturally produced interferon-beta. Interferon-beta 1a is similar, chemically and biologically to interferon-beta found naturally in the body.
The table below shows the beta interferons currently on the market classified in accordance with application and dosage. They are injected either beneath the skin subcutaneously (s.c.), or into the muscle, intramuscularly (i.m.).
Interferons injected subcutaneously are especially suitable for self-administration (possibly with some form of injection aid) by most people with MS after being shown how to do this by a physician or nurse.
Proprietary name | Rebif® | Avonex® | Betaferon® |
International non-proprietary name | Interferon beta-1a | Interferon beta-1a | Interferon beta-1b |
Delivery systems | Ready to use Pre-filled syringe | Reconstitution needed / pre-filled syringe | Reconstitution needed |
Available dosage | 22 mcg three times a week or 44 mcg three times a week | 30 mcg once a week | 0,25 mg every other day |
Route of administration | Subcutaneous injection | Intramuscular injection | Subcutaneous injection |
Other characteristics, such as indications, may vary from one country to another. Please consult the product leaflet for additional information.
Rebif® is a registered trademark of Serono International S.A.
Betaferon® is a registered trademark of Schering.
Avonex® is a registered trademark of Biogen Inc.
