How effective is Rebif for MS?
Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is an injectable medication used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Its effectiveness was evaluated in clinical studies based on:
- Reduction in MS exacerbations (flare-ups)
- Impact on disease progression
- MRI findings
Clinical Study Results
Results from Study 1
Effect on MS exacerbations:
- Rebif 22 mcg three times a week reduced MS exacerbations by 29% over 2 years.
- Rebif 44 mcg three times a week reduced MS exacerbations by 32% over 2 years.
- 25% of patients taking 22 mcg of Rebif three times a week did not have a flare-up at 2 years, compared to 32% of patients taking the 44 mcg dose and 15% of patients taking a placebo.
- The median time to first MS exacerbation was 7.6 months in patients taking Rebif 22mcg and 9.6 months for patients taking Rebif 44mcg. This is compared to 4.5 months for those taking a placebo.
MRI findings:
- MRI PD-T2 lesions were reduced by 1.2% for the 22mcg group and 3.8% for the 44mcg group after 2 years. This is compared to an increase in MRI PD-T2 lesions of 11% seen in the placebo group.
Results from Study 2: Comparison with Avonex
- 75% of patients taking Rebif 44 mcg were relapse-free at 24 weeks, compared to 63% of patients taking Avonex 30 mcg.
- At 48 weeks, 62% of patients taking Rebif 44 mcg and 52% of patients taking Avonex 30 mcg were relapse-free.
- Patients taking Rebif 44 mcg had less MRI lesions during 24 weeks of treatment compared to patients taking Avonex 30 mcg.
References
Rebif [package insert]. Updated August 2023. EMD Serono, Inc. Accessed July 22, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c6fcb5d2-8fcd-44fa-a838-b84ee5f44f0f
Read next
What are the long term side effects of Rebif?
Data from over two decades of clinical experience and studies have shown that most side effects of Rebif (interferon beta-1a) are temporary and reversible. More rare but long-term side effects may include liver damage, lung damage, and skin damage at the injection site. Continue reading
How long can you live with multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is not generally considered life-threatening and most people will live a normal life-span. One study has found that the average life expectancy for people with MS is 76 years of age. In 2019, the U.S. life-expectancy averaged 78.8 years, but in 2020 it declined to 77.3 years, primarily due to the COVID pandemic. Many people with MS may live for 25 to 35 years or longer after their diagnosis. Continue reading
What are the early signs of multiple sclerosis?
Some of the early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) include weakness or numbness in one or more limbs; tremor or abnormal, uncoordinated movements while walking; slurred speech, or dizziness; double vision or the painful loss of vision in one eye; or long-lasting fatigue. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Rebif Information for Consumers
- Rebif prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Rebif (detailed)
- Rebif user reviews (30)
Related support groups
- Rebif (5 questions, 26 members)
- Multiple Sclerosis (98 questions, 557 members)