Rebif Cost-effective and Can Reduce Brain Lesions in RRMS Patients, Data Show

Merck KGaA presented new evidence supporting the safety and clinical efficacy of Rebif (interferon beta-1a) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) at the 5th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), June 29–July 2 in Oslo, Norway.

The company, known as EMD Serono in the U.S. and Canada, presented 16 studies that included new clinical safety and efficacy data on #Rebif, as well as Mavenclad (cladribine tablets), and the investigational therapy evobrutinib.

Rebif decreases the frequency of relapse and delays the onset of some of the physical incapacity associated with MS.

At EAN 2019, in a presentation titled, “Subcutaneous Interferon β-1a: 10 years of the UK Multiple Sclerosis Risk Sharing Scheme,” data from the U.K. MS Risk-sharing scheme, set up in 2002 by that nation’s department of health, was presented. Researchers used the data to assess the cost-effectiveness of various disease-modifying treatments for MS, including Rebif, over 10 years.

In all, 1,635 MS patients treated with Rebif were analyzed. Throughout the 10-year period, Rebif was considered to be cost-effective.

Disease progression was monitored every two years using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), which ranges from zero to 10 — higher numbers represent a greater degree of disability. Results showed that treatment with Rebif decreased EDSS scores.

The data therefore represent ‘real-world’ evidence of the long-term benefits of Rebif.