Interferon beta-1a (also interferon beta 1-alpha) is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).[5] It is produced by mammalian cells, while interferon beta-1b is produced in modified E. coli.[6] Some research indicates that interferon injections may result in an 18–38% reduction in the rate of MS relapses.[7]
Interferon beta has not been shown to slow the advance of disability.[8][9][10][11] Interferons are not a cure for MS (there is no known cure); the claim is that interferons may slow the progress of the disease if started early and continued for the duration of the disease.[12]
^Cite error: The named reference Avonex FDA label was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Cite error: The named reference Rebif FDA label was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Shirani A, Zhao Y, Karim ME, Evans C, Kingwell E, van der Kop ML, et al. (July 2012). "Association between use of interferon beta and progression of disability in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis". JAMA. 308 (3): 247–256. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.7625. PMID22797642.