Bayer Schering Pharma presents positive MS drug trial data

Bayer Schering Pharma's multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment Betaferon has demonstrated its long-term health benefits in a 21-year study conducted by the company.

Data was presented at the recent European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis congress, showing the positive effects Betaferon can have in prolonging survival among MS patients.

During the trial, certain patients were administered with an ongoing Betaferon regime, while others received a placebo for up to the first five years of treatment.

It was found that those treated earlier with Bayer Schering Pharma's drug demonstrated a 39.3 per cent relative reduced risk in mortality for the time since randomisation in the study.

Andreas Fibig, chairman of the board of management at Bayer Schering Pharma, said: "With its established benefit/risk profile and proven long-term efficacy, Betaferon represents a trusted first-choice, first-line treatment for MS patients."

Earlier this month, the company was awarded the prestigious Prix Galien International 2010 award for its venous thromboembolism treatment Xarelto.