interferon beta-1a

Interferon beta-1a (also interferon beta-1-alpha) is a drug in the interferon family used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).

It is produced by mammalian cells, while Interferon beta-1b is produced in modified E. coli.

Interferons have been shown to produce about a 18–38% reduction in the rate of MS relapses, and to slow the progression of disability in MS patients. There is currently no cure for MS, though starting a course of interferons early may slow its progress.

Interferon beta-1a is sold under the trade names Avonex (Biogen Idec) and Rebif (Merck Serono); CinnoVex (CinnaGen) is biosimilar.