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Interferon beta-1b (tradenames Betaferon, Betaseron (North America), and Extavia) is a drug in the interferon family used to treat the relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is approved for use after the first MS event. It is administered by sub-cutaneous injection and has been shown to slow the advance of the affliction as well as reduce the frequency of attacks.

It is believed that interferon-beta based drugs achieve their beneficial effect on MS progress via their anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also determined that interferon-beta improves the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)—which generally breaks down in MS patients, allowing increasing amounts of undesirable substances to reach the brain. This strengthening of the BBB may be a contributing factor to interferon-beta's beneficial effects. These studies were carried out in vitro, so it does not necessarily mean it works the same in people.

Betaferon/Betaseron is marketed today by Bayer HealthCare. The originator was Schering AG (Berlex in North America), now part of Bayer HealthCare. Novartis plans to introduce Extavia, a new brand of interferon beta-1b, in 2009.

Closely related is interferon beta-1a, also indicated for MS, and with a very similar drug profile.

[edit] See also

• Interferon beta-1a
• Multiple sclerosis

[edit] External links

• betaseron.com
• Bayer HealthCare
• National MS Society (USA)
• ThisIsMS - an MS community website