Profile of PEGylated interferon beta in the treatment of relapsing-remitting XXXX .

@entity1 @entity75 @entity2391 @entity2287 @entity15 @entity970 @entity968
Several treatments are currently available for relapsing-remitting @entity15 . Among them, @entity2391 remains a valid treatment approach because of its good benefit/risk profile. Due to the need for frequent administration (weekly, at a minimum), the use of @entity2391 is limited by uncomfortable side effects that could reduce adherence to and persistence with the treatment. The use of subcutaneous @entity968 ( @entity970 )ylated interferon beta-1a (PEG-IFN) has been proposed to offer a better combination of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and therapy-related side effects. A 125  g dose of PEG-IFN given every 2 or 4 weeks was tested in two Phase I studies and shown to be as safe and efficient as @entity2391 -1a but with a longer half-life. A Phase III trial (ADVANCE) comparing 125  g of PEG-IFN given every 2 or 4 weeks with placebo in 1,512 @entity1 with relapsing-remitting @entity15 showed significant reductions in both the annualized relapse rate (ARR) and the occurrence of new or newly enlarged T2 @entity75 in both experimental groups versus placebo after the first year. Moreover, 38% fewer @entity1 showed progression of disability (P=0.04) in the @entity970 -IFN groups. During the second year, the ARR was further reduced in the @entity970 -IFN 2-week treatment group (0.230 at 1 year versus 0.178 at 2 years) and was maintained in the 4-week treatment group. @entity1 who received immediate PEG-IFN treatment showed improved clinical efficacy (ARR, risk of relapse, 12-week disability progression) and magnetic resonance imaging parameters (new T2 and newly enlarging lesions, @entity2287 -positive lesions) compared with those with delayed treatment. The effects were more evident with the 2-week dose for all endpoints considered. Furthermore, PEG-IFN was well tolerated, and no new safety concerns arose. In conclusion, PEG-IFN has good efficacy and a good safety profile. The available data support the use of PEG-IFN as a suitable therapeutic option in @entity1 with relapsing-remitting @entity15 .
