Betaseron, a brand name for interferon beta-1b, was one of the earliest disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. It belongs to the class of interferons, which are proteins that help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Betaseron works by modulating the immune response to decrease the frequency and severity of MS relapses and slow disease progression. It is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically every other day.
In modern MS treatment, Betaseron is still used but its role has evolved significantly. Since its approval in the 1990s, the landscape of MS therapies has expanded dramatically, with many newer agents offering different mechanisms of action, improved efficacy, and more convenient administration routes such as oral or infusion therapies. These newer treatments include oral agents like fingolimod, siponimod, and ponesimod, monoclonal antibodies such as ocrelizumab and natalizumab, and emerging therapies like Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors currently in clinical trials.
Despite the availability of these newer options, Betaseron remains a treatment choice for certain patients, especially those who may prefer or require interferon-based therapy due to its long track record of safety and effectiveness. It is often considered in patients with relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome and relapsing-remitting MS. Betaseron may also be selected for patients who have contraindications to newer agents or who prefer a therapy with a well-established safety profile. Additionally, patient assistance programs continue to support access to Betaseron for eligible individuals, indicating ongoing use in clinical practice.
However, Betaseron’s use has declined relative to newer therapies because of several factors:
– **Administration burden:** Betaseron requires frequent injections, which can be inconvenient and sometimes painful, leading to adherence challenges.
– **Side effects:** Common side effects include flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions, which newer oral or infusion therapies may avoid or reduce.
– **Efficacy:** Newer DMTs often demonstrate superior efficacy in reducing relapse rates and MRI lesion activity compared to interferons.
– **Treatment personalization:** The expanding array of therapies allows neurologists to tailor treatment based on disease activity, patient preferences, comorbidities, and risk profiles, often favoring newer agents.
In summary, Betaseron remains a valid and available option in the modern MS treatment arsenal, particularly for patients who benefit from or prefer interferon therapy. Nonetheless, it is no longer the frontline choice for many clinicians due to the advent of more effective and convenient therapies. The MS treatment field continues to evolve rapidly, with ongoing research into novel agents that may further change the role of older drugs like Betaseron in the future.
