Bayer Schering highlights research into benefits of early MS treatment

Bayer Schering has pointed out the results of a series of studies involving its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Betaferon (interferon beta-1b), which highlight the benefits of treating the condition as early as possible.

The outcomes of the various trials were presented at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis earlier this week and indicated that administering therapies for the condition in its early stages is the most beneficial approach to controlling it.

A five-year trial, entitled BENEFIT, found that using Betaferon may result in the prolonging of cognitive functions in patients displaying early symptoms of the disease.

“Recent research shows that cognitive decline occurs early in the disease and may have a negative impact on the lives of patients, explained Habib Dable, global head of neurology and ophthalmology at Bayer Schering.

In July, Bayer Schering said that it was “fully convinced” of the positive risk-benefit profile of rivaroxaban after its partner Ortho-McNeil revealed it would have to delay its response to the drug’s application until the final quarter of 2009.