What are interferon beta used for?

What are interferon beta used for?

Interferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease). This medicine will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

How does interferon beta 1b work?

Mechanism of action. Interferon beta balances the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory agents in the brain, and reduces the number of inflammatory cells that cross the blood brain barrier. Overall, therapy with interferon beta leads to a reduction of neuron inflammation.

Is beta interferon safe?

The IFN-βs are modestly effective, reducing relapse rates by about one-third and having a beneficial effect on imaging outcomes,2 but findings regarding longer-term effects on disability have been mixed. The IFN-βs are generally considered safe, especially compared to newer agents for MS.

What is the brand name for interferon beta?

Interferon beta-1a (also interferon beta 1-alpha) is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS)….Interferon beta-1a.

Clinical data
Trade names Avonex, Rebif, Plegridy, others
AHFS/Drugs.com Professional Drug Facts
MedlinePlus a604005
License data EU EMA: by INN US DailyMed: Interferon_beta-1a

Where is interferon beta found?

Interferon Beta nIFN-β is produced from human fibroblasts and is currently used in Japan for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Recombinant human IFN-β-1a (rhIFN-β-1a) is procured from mammalian cells and is identical to the IFN-β that occurs naturally in humans.

Is beta interferon an immunosuppressant?

Interferon proteins are normally considered virus-fighters, but scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found evidence that one of them, interferon beta (IFNβ), has an immune-suppressing effect that can help some viruses establish persistent infections.

What are the side effects of beta interferon?

Interferon beta-1a may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • tight muscles.
  • dizziness.
  • numbness, burning, tingling, or pain in hands or feet.
  • joint pain.
  • eye problems.
  • runny nose.
  • toothache.
  • hair loss.

How much does beta interferon cost?

Active ingredients Size Drug tariff price
Interferon beta-1b 300 microgram 15 £596.63

What drugs contain interferon beta?

List of Interferons:

Drug Name Avg. Rating Reviews
Rebif (Pro) Generic name: interferon beta-1a 6.9 26 reviews
Plegridy (Pro) Generic name: peginterferon beta-1a 6.6 11 reviews
Avonex Pen Generic name: interferon beta-1a 9.0 11 reviews
Betaseron (Pro) Generic name: interferon beta-1b 7.7 5 reviews

How is interferon beta made?

IFN β-1a is produced in mammalian cells (Chinese hamster ovary) using a natural human gene sequence and is glycosylated, while IFN β-1b is produced in Escherichia coli cells using a modified human gene sequence containing a genetically engineered cysteine-to-serine substitution at position 17.

What is an example of interferon?

Since interferons enhance the immune system in many ways, they are used for many diseases that involve the immune system. For example: interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A) is FDA-approved to treat hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, and chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Does interferon suppress the immune system?

There are at least two types of interferon. Along with their antiviral properties, they have recently been shown to exert a suppressive effect on the humoral and cellular immune response; they affect both B and T lymphocytes.

How does beta interferon work?

Interferons are man-made versions of proteins your body makes. These drugs work with your immune system to help it find and attack viruses and cancer. They can stop virus and cancer cells from growing and spreading, and prevent other cells from getting infected.

What is interferon used to treat?

Interferon alphas are used to treat viral infections (chronic hepatitis , human papillomavirus) and treating cancer (hairy cell leukemia, AIDS related – Kaposi sarcoma , malignant melanoma). Interferon betas are used to treat or slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis.

What are the effects of interferon?

Early: Flu-like syndrome : Fever,chills,generalized aches and pains,headache,poor appetite.

  • Fatigue,drowsiness
  • Low blood counts . Your white and red blood cells and platelets may temporarily decrease. This can put you at increased risk for infection,anemia and/or bleeding.
  • How do interferon beta medications treat multiple sclerosis?

    Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif are all interferon beta products. While their exact mechanism of action for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown, there are several hypotheses regarding how they work. In theory, the interferon drugs seal off the blood brain barrier and inhibit the T cells from being activated.