03 May 2007 - Studies Presented at Neurology Conference Highlight Early Efficacy, Long-Term Tolerability, and High Patient Satisfaction with Betaseron®
BOSTON, May 3, 2007 - Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals announced today the results of three clinical studies with Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b), presented this week at the American Academy of Neurology's (AAN) 59th Annual Meeting, demonstrating early efficacy, long-term tolerability, and high patient satisfaction with treatment in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
"Collectively, these studies highlight the important clinical benefits and long-term safety and tolerability of Betaseron treatment," said Ludger Heeck, Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager, Specialized Therapeutics, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. "Betaseron is the first immunomodulatory MS treatment shown to significantly delay disability and disease progression in patients with the first event suggestive of MS. In addition, key attributes, such as a high level of patient satisfaction and tolerability of the medication, may help improve a person's adherence to treatment and consequently, the effectiveness of the treatment."
In the first study, known as BENEFIT[1] (BEtaseron in Newly Emerging multiple sclerosis For Initial Treatment), immediate initiation of BetaseronÒtreatment in patients after a first event suggestive of MS significantly reduced the risk of disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) by 40 percent[2]. The results of the prospectively designed and blinded study were measured over three years and compared early treatment to delayed treatment, defined as receiving treatment after the second clinical event or after two years.
About Betaseron
Betaseron (Interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis .
About Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the U.S.-based pharmaceuticals unit of Bayer HealthCare LLC, a division of Bayer AG. One of the world?s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry, Bayer HealthCare combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions. In the US, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals comprises the following business units: Women's Healthcare, Diagnostic Imaging, Specialized Therapeutics, Hematology/Cardiology and Oncology. The company's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human health worldwide by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.
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Media Contact: Marcy Funk, Bayer HealthCare (973) 305 5385
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[1] Mark S. Freedman, et al: Betaseron in Newly Emerging Multiple Sclerosis for Initial Treatment (BENEFIT): Effects of Immediate vs. Early Onset of Interferon Beta-1b Treatment, American Academy of Neurology, 59th Annual Meeting
[3]George Ebers et al: The Interferon Beta-1b 16-Year Long-term Follow-up Study: Predictive Clinical and MRI Markers
[4]Long-term treatment was defined as use of Betaseron for more than 80 percent of the time since the start of the pivotal trial (approx. 12 years or longer), while short-term treatment was defined as use for less than 10 percent of the time (approx. 1.6 years or less).
[5]Karl A Baum et al: Evaluation of Injection Site Pain and Reactions during Interferon Beta Treatment: Results from the BRIGHT (Betaseron(R) versus Rebif(R) InvestigatinG Higher Tolerability) Study.
* Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Rebif® is a registered trademark of EMD Serono, Inc.
