Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, Berlex) can now be prescribed to patients with multiple sclerosis who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with MS. The new approval was based on findings from BENEFIT, a study of patients experiencing their first clinical demyelinating event. Results showed the drug delayed time to a second event by one year compared with placebo. Betaseron is also indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations.
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