Interferon beta-1 (IFN-β1)

Interferon beta-1 is a recombinant protein belonging to the type I interferon family. It is primarily used as an immunomodulatory agent in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly relapsing forms such as clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS. It reduces relapse rates but does not cure MS or significantly slow long-term disability progression.

Other names

Interferon beta 1aInterferon beta 1bIFN beta-1IFNB1

Interferon beta binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c) on cell surfaces, activating the JAK-STAT pathway, leading to the transcription of immunomodulatory and antiviral genes, resulting in decreased inflammation within the central nervous system and reduced immune-mediated damage to myelin sheaths in MS patients.