Interferon beta-1a

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Compound Name:Interferon beta-1aMolecular Target:Type I interferon receptorsMolecular Structure:recombinant human physiologic protien, glycosylatedLicensed Indication:relapsing forms of multiple sclerosisManufacturer and/or Distributor:Biogen IdecInitial FDA Approval:1996Summary:Interferon beta-1a (Avonex) is a recombinant form of a physiologic human type I interferon important for antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects. Binding of interferon beta-1a to its receptor leads to induction of many interferon inducible genes, including beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin, both of which can serve as biomarkers for interferon beta-1a administration. Avonex is produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. The recombinant protein is glycosylated and is identical to the native protein in sequence (MW 22.5kDa). Avonex is administered by weekly intramuscular injections. Avonex was approved by the FDA in 1996 for the treatment of the relapsing form of multiple sclerosis. It has been shown to slow the progression of physical disability and to prevent exacerbations and the accumulation of MRI lesions. The mechanism of action of the therapeutic effects remains unclear. In 2014, the FDA approved a new form of this medication Plegridy (“pegylated” form of interferon) for the approved treatment of relapsingâ€¨ MS. Plegridy can be administered subcutaneously every two weeks. The most common side effects reported are flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, myalgia, asthenia), local injection site reaction, and headache. Serious less common safety concerns include hepatic injury, anaphylaxis, congestive heart failure, cytopenias, autoimmune disorders and depression, suicide and psychosis.References

Package Insert: Updated 03/2016
https://www.avonex.com/content/dam/commercial/multiple-sclerosis/avonex/pat/en_us/pdf/Avonex%20US%20%20Prescribing%20Information.pdf

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3. Rudick RA, Goodkin DE, Jacobs LD, Cookfair DL, Herndon RM, Richert JR, et al. Impact of interferon beta-1a on neurologic disability in relapsing multiple sclerosis. The Multiple Sclerosis Collaborative Research Group (MSCRG). Neurology. 1997 Aug;49(2):358-363. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9270562?dopt=Citation

4. Jacobs L, Brownscheidle CM. Appropriate use of interferon beta-1a in multiple sclerosis. BioDrugs. 1999 Mar;11(3):155-163. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18031126?dopt=Citation

5. Annibali V1, Mechelli R1, Romano S1, Buscarinu MC1, Fornasiero A1, Umeton R1 et al. IFN-β and multiple sclerosis: From etiology to therapy and back. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2014 Oct 31. pii: S1359-6101(14)00138-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25466632

6. Gohil K. Pharmaceutical approval update. P T. 2014 Oct;39(10):684-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25336862

7. Tao Y, Zhang X, Zivadinov R, Dwyer MG, Kennedy C et al. Immunologic and MRI markers of the therapeutic effect of IFN-β-1a in relapsing-remitting MS. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2015 Nov 12;2(6):e176. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26601116

8. Gerischer LM, Siebert E, Janke O, Jungehuelsing GJ, Ruprecht K. Favorable outcome of interferon-beta associated thrombotic microangiopathy following treatment with corticosteroids, plasma exchange and rituximab: A case report. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2016 Nov;10:63-65

9. Einarson TR, Bereza BG, Machado M. Comparative effectiveness of interferons in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis of real-world studies. Curr Med Res Opin. 2017 Jan 11:1-15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28027680

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