Avonex® (interferon beta 1-a)

Parent company: Biogen Idec.

Taken via weekly intermuscular injections.

Approved for relapsing forms of MS and for individuals with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), which is the initial symptom a patient reports prior to a diagnosis of MS.

May affect the immune system by decreasing damaging cells and increasing cells that suppress inflammation.

The ACT trial evaluates Avonex in combination with (1) methotrexate (MTX), (2) intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP), or (3) both MTX and IVMP; data showed favorable trends in multiple clinical and MRI outcomes; adding MTX and IVMP may be helpful in patients on Avonex with continuing active disease; reported to be safe and well-tolerated.

Five-year data for initial treatment with Avonex after CIS show continued positive effects on patients receiving Avonex from beginning versus placebo.

Ongoing, Phase III trial for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) combines Avonex with Copaxone (COMBI Rx trial), using three arms: Avonex alone, Copaxone alone, and combination of both.