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  • Title: Glatiramer acetate in treatment-naïve and prior interferon-beta-1b-treated multiple sclerosis patients.
    Author: Zwibel HL, Copolymer-1 Treatment Study Principal Investigators.
    Journal: Acta Neurol Scand; 2006 Jun; 113(6):378-86. PubMed ID: 16674604.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: This prospective, open-label study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of glatiramer acetate (GA) in treatment-naïve relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and in patients who had previously received interferon-beta (IFN-beta)-1b therapy. METHODS: Two treatment cohorts were defined based on prestudy IFN-beta-1b use. At entry, prior IFN-beta-1b patients (n = 247) were older, had longer disease duration, and had higher mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, relapse rates, and ambulation indexes than treatment-naïve patients (n = 558). Safety was assessed every 3 months and EDSS every 6 months for up to 3.5 years. RESULTS: Overall, 247 treatment-naïve and 107 prior IFN-beta-1b patients discontinued before study end. Median GA treatment durations were 36 and 24 months in treatment-naïve and prior IFN-beta-1b patients, respectively. At last observation, annual relapse rates had declined by 75% in both cohorts (0.42 +/- 0.84 and 0.34 +/- 0.71 in treatment-naïve and prior IFN-beta-1b groups, respectively, P = 0.1482). Mean changes in EDSS were less than 0.5 in both cohorts, regardless of entry EDSS, at 12 and 18 months and at last observation. CONCLUSIONS: Prior IFN-beta-1b treatment does not negatively influence the efficacy, safety, or tolerability of subsequent GA therapy. Switching to GA can benefit patients who discontinue IFN-beta therapy.
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