BI-201

BI-201 is a biosimilar version of interferon beta-1a, a cytokine in the interferon family used primarily for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Developed by the Thai biotechnology company Bio-Innova in collaboration with Siam Bioscience, BI-201 is designed to provide a more accessible and cost-effective therapeutic option for MS patients. The drug functions by binding to the Type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2) on the surface of various immune cells. This binding initiates a JAK-STAT signaling cascade that modulates the expression of numerous interferon-stimulated genes. The resulting biological effects include the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the induction of anti-inflammatory mediators, and the inhibition of T-cell activation and migration across the blood-brain barrier. By dampening the autoimmune attack on the central nervous system, BI-201 aims to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations and delay the progression of physical disability in patients with MS.

Other names

interferon beta-1a biosimilarBio-Innova interferon beta-1a