Peginterferon beta-1a in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a guide to its use in the EU

Abstract

Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy™) extends the options currently available to treat adults with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Peginterferon beta-1a 125 µg every 2 weeks significantly reduced the adjusted annualized relapse rate, reduced the risks of relapse and sustained disability progression, and improved measures of disease activity relative to placebo at week 48 of the key 96-week phase 3 trial. The efficacy of peginterferon beta-1a appeared to be sustained with longer-term treatment (i.e. for up to a total of 96 weeks) in the subsequent 48-week non-controlled phase of the trial. The tolerability profile of peginterferon beta-1a is acceptable and consistent with those of established interferon beta treatments. The administration regimen of subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a (every 2 weeks) provides potential compliance advantages over non-pegylated interferon beta formulations that require more frequent administration.