Early Use of MS Drug May Cut Likelihood of Progression

THURSDAY, April 19 (HealthDay News) — A new three-year study finds that a multiple sclerosis drug is more likely to prevent patients from progressing to a definite form of MS if it’s given early in patients who appear to be ill.

The drug, a form of interferon called “interferon beta-1a,” is not available in the United States. It is, however, available in countries in the European Union, Canada and elsewhere.

“While we’ve known it’s beneficial to start MS drugs as soon as possible, this is the first trial to show a benefit of early injections of interferon beta-1a treatment at three years,” Dr. Mark Freedman, of the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, said in a news release from the American Academy of Neurology.

The study tracked 517 people who had brain lesions and symptoms — such as tingling, numbness or balance problems — that suggested they might have multiple sclerosis.

One-third of the study participants received 44-microgram doses of interferon beta-1a three times a week, one-third received the drug once a week and one-third received an inactive placebo for two years until they showed more signs of having the disease. At that point, they got the dose three times a week.