June 29, 2009

Interferon beta drugs are a mainstay of MS treatment, but one of their drawbacks is that they have to be injected at least every week, if not more frequently depending on formulation. Biogen Idec, maker of Avonex (interferon beta-1a), is hoping to make this drug easier to take by creating a new version that doesn't have to be injected as often. This version, named "BIIB017," has been chemically altered (pegylated) to help it avoid targeting by the immune system and therefore remain in the body's circulation for longer. Biogen Idec has now begun enrollment for a phase III clinical trial of this drug. You can get more information about the trial and participating sites on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

The trial period is two years, and participants will inject themselves every two weeks with either (a) the pegylated interferon, (b) a placebo injection, or (c) alternating pegylated interferon and placebo (to test the efficacy of a monthly injection schedule). If safety and efficacy results are positive, then interferon beta users may have the option of a less burdensome injection schedule in the future.

[P.S. Thanks to Stephanie S. for the pointer to this study -- and all MSNews readers should feel free to send me their own pointers by clicking on my name above.]