Systemic recombinant alpha-2 interferon therapy in relapsing multiple sclerosis

Arch Neurol. 1986 Dec;43(12):1239-46. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1986.00520120023011.

Abstract

This report describes the first use of recombinant-DNA-produced human interferon in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Ninety-eight patients who were clinically definite for MS with two or more documented exacerbations during the preceding two years were admitted to this placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. Although both groups were similar, placebo patients had later MS onset. Patients injected themselves with 2 X 10(6) IU of alpha-2 interferon or placebo three times each week for up to 52 weeks. This dose of interferon was well tolerated in that side effects were minimal. During the trial, the exacerbation rate was sharply reduced in both groups. In the three-month follow-up period after stopping treatment, more patients who were receiving interferon than placebo became worse neurologically. More patients who were receiving interferon than placebo changed from exacerbating MS to progressive MS during the trial. Thus, no clear therapeutic benefit of alpha-2 interferon for MS was detected.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interferon Type I / adverse effects
  • Interferon Type I / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Multiple Sclerosis / classification
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Random Allocation
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Self Administration

Substances

  • Interferon Type I
  • Recombinant Proteins