Schering AG: Betaferon reduces MS risk

Schering AG, the German pharmaceutical company soon to become part of the Bayer group, has claimed that Betaferon can reduce the risk of developing “clinically definite” multiple sclerosis (MS).

The claim follows a subgroup analysis of the Benefit study, which demonstrated that Betaferon 250mg can reduce the risk of developing MS by 50 per cent compared to the placebo in patients who have experienced one episode that suggests the onset of the disease.

Various aspects of the 24-month study were analysed, including clinical, laboratory and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans, which found that some groups of patients showed an increased response to the drug.

This includes the observation a “pronounced effect” in monofocal patients with active or disseminated MRI findings, who demonstrated a risk reduction of developing MS in 58 per cent and 61 per cent of subjects, respectively.

Dr Chris Polman, professor of neurology at the VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, said that the findings show Betaferon’s ability to reduce the risk of developing MS in patients showing a likelihood of developing the disease.

“The results should help doctors and patients in their discussions about starting treatment as early as possible,” he added.

Dr Darlene Jody, head of specialised therapeutics at Schering AG, added that Betaferon could provide “rapid, early control” of progression to definite MS, culminating in a “significant benefit” to those at risk.