Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous interferon-β-1a in patients with a first demyelinating event and early multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. Evidence suggests that MS should be treated as early as possible in order to maximize the benefit of treatment. AREAS COVERED: This review details current understanding about the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The pharmacological and clinical data on the use of subcutaneous (s.c.) interferon β-1a (IFN-β-1a) as a therapeutic option for RRMS are covered, with a focus on the importance of treating patients with MS as early as possible in the course of the disease, in order to delay permanent axonal damage that is responsible for the signs and symptoms of disease progression. EXPERT OPINION: There is a wealth of data on the treatment of RRMS with s.c. IFN-β-1a indicating that patients treated during the early inflammatory stages of the disease have significantly improved short-term outcomes compared with patients who commence treatment late. It remains to be determined whether the short-term effects of early treatment will translate into long-lasting benefits, although it is hoped that ongoing research will help to answer this question.