New Data Suggests Progression of Disability at Two Years Predicts Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disability Progression at Eight Years
Treatment with AVONEX® (Interferon Beta-1a) for Two Years Reduces Probability of Reaching More Severe Disability Milestones at Eight Years
Prague, Czech Republic – October 12, 2007 – A post-hoc analysis from a Phase III clinical trial of AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a) and post-randomization eight-year follow up shows that six-month sustained progression of disability at two years, using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), is a significant predictor of long-term disability, as measured by EDSS milestones of 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 at eight years, in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The analysis suggests that patients taking AVONEX for two years were less likely to experience disability progression over time (eight years) when compared to placebo. These data were announced today at the 23rd Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) conference in Prague, Czech Republic.
The analysis involved 160 patients with RRMS who received at least two years of treatment (81 placebo, 79 interferon beta-1a), in the AVONEX Phase III trial and who were re-examined eight years post-randomization. 45 patients met the criteria for two-year disability progression sustained for six months (n=18 AVONEX, 27 placebo). The analysis revealed:
Patients initially treated with AVONEX were less likely than patients initially receiving placebo to progress to EDSS scores of ≥ 4.0 at eight years
Six month sustained EDSS progression during the pivotal two-year trial was a significant predictor of disability progression eight years later
Almost twice as many patients who had sustained progression in EDSS during the two-year trial progressed to an EDSS of ≥ 4.0 than patients who did not progress (84% sustained, versus 44% unsustained)
Almost three times as many progressed to an EDSS of ≥6.0 (67% sustained, versus 24% unsustained)
“This new analysis presents further evidence that patients who are treated for two years achieve long-term, clinically significant disability benefits,” said Dr. Richard Rudick, vice-chairman of Neurological Institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. “For a person with RRMS, starting and staying with treatment slows disability progression, as measured by EDSS.”
EDSS is a common disability outcome measure that is used in multiple sclerosis clinical trials. EDSS ≥ 4.0 signifies relatively severe disability, such as impacting physical coordination or the ability to walk without assistance.
AVONEX is the number one prescribed treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) worldwide, and is the only once-a-week MS therapy that is effective after the first attack. AVONEX is also proven to slow the progression of physical disability (as shown by 37% reduction over two years) and reduce the number of relapses. AVONEX has been proven effective in clinical trials for up to three years.
This study was funded by Biogen Idec.
About AVONEX AVONEX is the number one most prescribed treatment for relapsing forms of MS worldwide, with more than 130,000 patients on therapy. It was launched in the U.S. in 1996 and later in Europe for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS to slow the progression of disability and reduce relapses. AVONEX has been proven effective in clinical trials for up to three years. AVONEX is marketed internationally in more than 90 countries. AVONEX was the first treatment approved for patients who have their first clinical MS attack and have a brain MRI scan consistent with MS; this use was approved in Europe in 2002 and in the U.S. in 2003.
The most common side effects associated with AVONEX multiple sclerosis treatment are flu-like symptoms, including myalgia, fever, fatigue, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, pain and asthenia.
AVONEX should be used with caution in patients with depression or other mood disorders and in patients with seizure disorders. AVONEX should not be used by pregnant women. Patients with cardiac disease should be closely monitored. Patients should also be monitored for signs of hepatic injury. Routine periodic blood chemistry and hematology tests are recommended during treatment with AVONEX. Rare cases of anaphylaxis have been reported. Please see complete prescribing information available at http://www.AVONEX.com.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACTS: MS&L Kathleen Vigneault Phone: (617) 937-2546 Email:
Sarah Francomano Phone: (617) 937-2580 Email:
Disclaimer The industry news information and articles are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to represent any trends, partnerships, commitments, or research of the Consortium of MS Centers or any of it's members in any way whatsoever, nor should any party be libel in any way to the reader or to any other person, firm or corporation reading this industry news section.
Although the CMSC site includes links providing direct access to other Internet sites, CMSC takes no responsibility for the content or information contained on those other sites, and does not exert any editorial or other control over those other sites.
CMSC is providing information and services on the Internet as a benefit and service in furtherance of CMSC's nonprofit and tax-exempt status. CMSC makes no representations about the suitability of this information and these services for any purpose.
CMSC Online 
