Bayer announces results of Benefit study

Bayer has announced the results of the Benefit study of Betaferon (interferon beta 1-b) in patients treated soon after their first clinical multiple sclerosis (MS) event.

The firm presented the results to the congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS, with the company reporting that individuals receiving the compound experienced a measurable delay in the progression of disability and development of clinically confirmed MS.

Bayer notes that – following debate in the medical community regarding the issue – the presence of neutralising antibodies (Nabs) in patients did not affect the efficacy of early administration of the drug in the trial, irrespective of Nab titre.

Dr Mark S Freedman, professor of neurology at the University of Ottawa, said: “Benefit is a significant trial that provided the medical community with the first clear evidence on the value of treating patients with Betaferon at the first clinical sign of MS to delay the accumulation of disability.”

He confirmed that the results do not support the supposition that a tendency to develop Nabs should be a key factor when making a treatment decision involving Betaferon.

In September 2007, Bayer Schering Pharma and Novartis finalised a marketing agreement for Betaferon, with Bayer paying Novartis $200 million (98.6 million pounds) and acquiring a biologics production site in California as part of the deal.