Health Canada approves Betaseron for treatment of first clinical event suggestive of MS

View or print this bulletin in its original format.

Medical Update Memo
August 10, 2006

Summary

Health Canada has approved Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) for use in treating people who have experienced an event known as a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) that is suggestive of multiple sclerosis. This is a label extension for Betaseron since it is already available for treating relapsing-remitting MS and secondary-progressive MS.

Details

Health Canada has approved Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) for use in treating people who have had a single clinical demyelinating event suggestive of MS and MRI findings that show lesions in the brain, also suggestive of MS. The Health Canada approval is a label extension for Betaseron and was based on results from the BENEFIT study which compared treatment with Betaseron to placebo in people who had a single clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Participants in the Betaseron arm of the study had a 50 percent reduced risk in developing clinically definite MS compared to the placebo group at the end of two years.

Betaseron is now the second beta interferon in Canada to be approved to treat people who are suspected of having MS. In 2003, Health Canada approved Avonex® (interferon beta-1a) for use in treating CIS. The recommended dose of Betaseron is 250 mcg every other day subcutaneously (under the skin). The recommended dose of Avonex is 30 mcg once per week intramuscularly (into the muscle). The approval is a label extension for Betaseron. It is already available for treating relapsing-remitting MS and secondary-progressive MS.

Treating MS as early as possible is widely recommended by MS neurologists. The MS Society of Canada is pleased there is another therapy available for people who are suspected of having multiple sclerosis.

ASK MS Information System Code: 1.4.1.60.1.i

National Research Department
National Marketing and Communications Department                 

Disclaimer
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health agency and does not approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy but provides information to assist individuals in making their own decisions.

Back to top