Efficacy of interferon β1a (Cinnovex) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients

Background: Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, chronic disease of the centre nervous system with demyelination in brain and spinal cord. Disability is evaluated by EDSS (Expanded Disability Scale Score). IFN β1a uses to prevent relapse rate and EDSS progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of IFN β1a (Cinnovex) in relapsing- remitting multiple sclerosis patients.Materials and Method: In this clinical trial, we evaluated 121 patients with RRMS registered in Khouzestan MS society during Nov. 2007 until Nov. 2008. Forty one patients went under treatment with Cinnovex. Forty patients in control group 1 received Avonex and 40 patients in control group 2 had no medication. After one year, results compared in all groups for EDSS or relapse rate.Results: At the end of study, there was no significant changes in the base line EDSS (1.95±1.08) and EDSS after one year (1.97±1.36) (p>0.05), but significant decrease in relapse rate after one year treatment with Cinnovex (p<0.01). EDSS showed no significant increase in Avonex group (p>0.05), but significant increase in control group (p<0.001). Yearly relapse rate decreased in both group, but with significant changes in Avonex group (p<0.005). In our study, Cinnovex has similar effect like Avonex to reduce EDSS progression and relapse rate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (p<0.05).Conclusion: Cinnovex is an effective drug in the reduction of relapse rate and EDSS progress in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients