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Bayer's Betaseron found efficacious in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple Sclerosis :: Bayer's Betaseron found efficacious in multiple sclerosis patients

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals announced the results of three clinical studies with Betaseron? (interferon beta-1b), presented this week at the American Academy of Neurology's (AAN) 59th Annual Meeting, demonstrating early efficacy, long-term tolerability, and high patient satisfaction with treatment in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

"Collectively, these studies highlight the important clinical benefits and long-term safety and tolerability of Betaseron treatment," said Ludger Heeck, Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager, Specialized Therapeutics, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. "Betaseron is the first immunomodulatory MS treatment shown to significantly delay disability and disease progression in patients with the first event suggestive of MS. In addition, key attributes, such as a high level of patient satisfaction and tolerability of the medication, may help improve a person's adherence to treatment and consequently, the effectiveness of the treatment."

In the first study, known as BENEFIT[1] (BEtaseron in Newly Emerging multiple sclerosis For Initial Treatment), immediate initiation of Betaseron?treatment in patients after a first event suggestive of MS significantly reduced the risk of disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) by 40 percent[2]. The results of the prospectively designed and blinded study were measured over three years and compared early treatment to delayed treatment, defined as receiving treatment after the second clinical event or after two years.

About Betaseron

Betaseron (Interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.

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