- Interferon beta-1b
drugbox
IUPAC_name = Human interferon beta
CAS_number = 145155-23-3
ATC_prefix = L03
ATC_suffix = AB08
ATC_supplemental =
PubChem =
DrugBank = BTD00078
C=908 | H=1408 | N=246 | O=253 | S=6
molecular_weight = 20011.0 g/mol
bioavailability =
protein_bound =
metabolism =
elimination_half-life =
pregnancy_category =
legal_status =
routes_of_administration =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 ofmultiple 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 outin 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.ee also
*
Interferon beta-1a
*Multiple sclerosis External links
* [http://www.betaseron.com betaseron.com]
* [http://www.www.bayerhealthcare.com Bayer HealthCare]
* [http://www.nationalmssociety.org National MS Society (USA)]
* [http://www.thisisms.com ThisIsMS] - an MS community website
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