Interferon Beta

Information about Interferon Beta

File:1AU1_Human_Interferon-Beta

Interferon beta (ß-1a and ß-1b) is a cytokine and belongs to a group of naturally occurring proteins which interact with cell surface receptors to produce intracellular antiviral, anti-proliferative, and immuno-modulatory effects. 

Liver safety of Interferon Beta

Interferon beta is used commonly to prevent relapses in multiple sclerosis.  Interferon beta is a well known cause of mild hepatic injury that occasionally can lead to severe liver injury with jaundice.

Mechanism of action of Interferon Beta

Interferon (in" ter feer' on) beta is a type I interferon produced by fibroblasts and macrophages in response to viral infection and antigenic stimuli.  Interferon beta is structurally and antigenically distinct from interferon alfa, but they share the same cell surface receptors.  Despite having a common receptor, the two interferons have different intracellular effects, acting through related but different pathways to trigger changes in gene expression that modulate inate and adaptive immune responses and antiviral pathways.  Interferon beta was developed largely as an immunomodulatory agent and showed evidence of benefit in relapsing multiple sclerosis for which it was first approved for use in the United States in 1993.  Its major indication is to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations.  Currently, five forms of interferon beta are available:

FDA approval information for Interferon Beta

Betaseron – interferon ß-1b, subcutaneous injection (250 mcg) every other day. Approved 1993. Extavia – interferon ß-1b, subcutaneous injection (250 mcg) every other day.      Approved 1993 Avonex – interferon ß-1a, intramuscular injection (30 mcg) once weekly.          Approved 1996. Rebif – interferon ß-1a, subcutaneous injection (8.8 mcg, 22 mcg, 44 mcg) thrice weekly. Approved 2003. Plegridy – peginterferon ß-1a, subcutaneous injection (63, 94, 125 mcg) every 14 days. Approved 2014. The various forms of beta interferon are provided as a lyophilized powder for reconstition or as a solution in single dose vials or in preflilled syringes, pens or autoinjectors.  All five forms of beta interferon are produced by recombinant DNA techniques.  They differ in specific activity and pharmacokinetics and thus are used in different doses and regimens.  Peginterferon ß-1a consists of recombinant beta interferon covalently linked to polyethylene glycol which makes it a larger protein molecule with a longer half-life and duration of action. Therapy is routinely given long term. 

Side effects of Interferon Beta

Typical side effects include fatigue, muscle aches, headache, depression, fever and mild bone marrow suppression.  Severe adverse events reported with use of beta interferon include hypersensitivity reactions, thrombotic microangiopathy, severe depression, suicidal  thoughts and behaviors and autoimmune disorders.

Interferon Beta Resources
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Multiple sclerosis drugs

Disease modifying agents

• Alemtuzumab
• Dimethyl Fumarate
• Fingolimod
• Glatiramer Acetate
• Interferon Beta
• Interferon Beta-1a
• Interferon Beta-1b
• Peginterferon Beta-1a
• Mitoxantrone
• Natalizumab
• Ocrelizumab
• Teriflunomide

Symptomatic Therapies

• Dalfampridine

• Dailymed label info on Interferon Beta
• FDA Interferon Beta

Interferon Beta Resources
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