Neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Incidence and significance of neutralizing antibodies to interferon beta-1a in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Collaborative Research Group (MSCRG)
Interferon beta is an effective treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). As with other protein drugs, neutralizing antibodies (NAB) can develop that reduce the effectiveness of treatment. ⋯ NAB directed against IFN-beta have in vivo biological consequences in patients with MS. The frequency with which MS patients develop NAB against IFN-beta is significantly greater with IFN-beta-1b therapy compared with IFN-beta-1a therapy. Treatment decisions in MS patients treated with IFN-beta should take into account development of NAB.