interferon beta-1a + methotrexate (MidAmerica Neuroscience Research Foundation)

Interferon beta-1a (marketed as Avonex) is a recombinant protein and immunomodulatory cytokine used for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It acts by binding to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2), which modulates immune cell activity, reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and limits the migration of lymphocytes across the blood-brain barrier. In a specific clinical program led by the MidAmerica Neuroscience Research Foundation at Rowe Neurology Institute, interferon beta-1a was evaluated in a Phase 4 investigator-initiated trial (NCT00037102) as a combination therapy. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of adding bi-monthly high-dose intravenous methotrexate—a folate antimetabolite that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase—with leucovorin rescue to a weekly regimen of intramuscular interferon beta-1a in patients with relapsing MS who had suboptimal responses to interferon monotherapy.

Brand names

Avonex

Other names

interferon beta-1amethotrexateleucovorinrecombinant interferon beta-1a