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Freedman MS, Coyle PK, Hellwig K, Singer B, Wynn D, Weinstock-Guttman B, Markovic-Plese S, Galazka A, Dangond F, Korich J, Reder AT. Twenty Years of Subcutaneous Interferon-Beta-1a for Multiple Sclerosis: Contemporary Perspectives. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:283-322. [PMID: 38206453 PMCID: PMC10951191 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00565-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the most common form of the disease, is characterized by transient neurological dysfunction with concurrent accumulation of disability. Over the past three decades, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) capable of reducing the frequency of relapses and slowing disability worsening have been studied and approved for use in patients with RRMS. The first DMTs were interferon-betas (IFN-βs), which were approved in the 1990s. Among them was IFN-β-1a for subcutaneous (sc) injection (Rebif®), which was approved for the treatment of MS in Europe and Canada in 1998 and in the USA in 2002. Twenty years of clinical data and experience have supported the efficacy and safety of IFN-β-1a sc in the treatment of RRMS, including pivotal trials, real-world data, and extension studies lasting up to 15 years past initial treatment. Today, IFN-β-1a sc remains an important therapeutic option in clinical use, especially around pregnancy planning and lactation, and may also be considered for aging patients, in which MS activity declines and long-term immunosuppression associated with some alternative therapies is a concern. In addition, IFN-β-1a sc is used as a comparator in many clinical studies and provides a framework for research into the mechanisms by which MS begins and progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Freedman
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Patricia K Coyle
- Department of Neurology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, New York, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Ruhr University, 44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Barry Singer
- The MS Center for Innovations in Care, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, 3009 N. Ballas Road, Suite 105B, St. Louis, MO, 63131, USA
| | - Daniel Wynn
- Neurology MS Center, Consultants in Neurology, Ltd, 1535 Lake Cook Road, Suite 601, Northbrook, IL, 60062, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14215, USA
- Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research, Buffalo, NY, 14202, USA
- Pediatric MS Center, NY State MS Consortium, 1010 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Silva Markovic-Plese
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut St, Rm 305-B, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | | | - Fernando Dangond
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute Inc., an affiliate of Merck GKaA, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA
| | - Julie Korich
- EMD Serono Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Rockland, MA, 02370, USA
| | - Anthony T Reder
- Department of Neurology A-205, University of Chicago Medicine, MC-2030, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Eckert S, Jakimovski D, Zivadinov R, Hicar M, Weinstock-Guttman B. How to and should we target EBV in MS? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024. [PMID: 38477887 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2328739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unknown. Pathogenesis likely relies on a complex interaction between multiple environmental, genetic, and behavioral risk factors. However, a growing body of literature supports the role of a preceding Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection in the majority of cases. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we summarize the latest findings regarding the potential role of EBV as a predisposing event inducing new onset of MS. EBV interactions with the genetic background and other infectious agents such as human endogenous retrovirus are explored. Additional data regarding the role of EBV regarding the rate of mid- and long-term disease progression is also discussed. Lastly, the effect of currently approved disease modifying therapies (DMT) for MS treatment on the EBV-based molecular mechanisms and the development of new EBV-specific therapies are further reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Recent strong epidemiological findings support that EBV may be the primary inducing event in certain individuals that shortly thereafter develop MS. More studies are needed in order to better understand the significant variability in susceptibility based on environmental factors such as EBV exposure. Future investigations should focus on determining the specific EBV-related risk antigen(s) and phenotyping people with likely EBV-induced MS. Targeting EBV via several different avenues, including development of an EBV vaccine may become the mainstay of MS treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Eckert
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dejan Jakimovski
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Center for Biomedical Imaging at Clinical Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark Hicar
- Department of Pediatrics Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Müller J, Cagol A, Lorscheider J, Tsagkas C, Benkert P, Yaldizli Ö, Kuhle J, Derfuss T, Sormani MP, Thompson A, Granziera C, Kappos L. Harmonizing Definitions for Progression Independent of Relapse Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1232-1245. [PMID: 37782515 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Importance Emerging evidence suggests that progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is a substantial contributor to long-term disability accumulation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). To date, there is no uniform agreed-upon definition of PIRA, limiting the comparability of published studies. Objective To summarize the current evidence about PIRA based on a systematic review, to discuss the various terminologies used in the context of PIRA, and to propose a harmonized definition for PIRA for use in clinical practice and future trials. Evidence Review A literature search was conducted using the search terms multiple sclerosis, PIRA, progression independent of relapse activity, silent progression, and progression unrelated to relapses in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, published between January 1990 and December 2022. Findings Of 119 identified single records, 48 eligible studies were analyzed. PIRA was reported to occur in roughly 5% of all patients with RRMS per annum, causing at least 50% of all disability accrual events in typical RRMS. The proportion of PIRA vs relapse-associated worsening increased with age, longer disease duration, and, despite lower absolute event numbers, potent suppression of relapses by highly effective disease-modifying therapy. However, different studies used various definitions of PIRA, rendering the comparability of studies difficult. Conclusion and Relevance PIRA is the most frequent manifestation of disability accumulation across the full spectrum of traditional MS phenotypes, including clinically isolated syndrome and early RRMS. The harmonized definition suggested here may improve the comparability of results in current and future cohorts and data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Müller
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Cagol
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Lorscheider
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charidimos Tsagkas
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Özgür Yaldizli
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Derfuss
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alan Thompson
- Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Granziera
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Zettl UK, Rommer PS, Aktas O, Wagner T, Richter J, Oschmann P, Cepek L, Elias-Hamp B, Gehring K, Chan A, Hecker M. Interferon beta-1a sc at 25 years: a mainstay in the treatment of multiple sclerosis over the period of one generation. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1343-1359. [PMID: 37694381 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2248391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interferon beta (IFN beta) preparations are an established group of drugs used for immunomodulation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Subcutaneously (sc) applied interferon beta-1a (IFN beta-1a sc) has been in continuous clinical use for 25 years as a disease-modifying treatment. AREAS COVERED Based on data published since 2018, we discuss recent insights from analyses of the pivotal trial PRISMS and its long-term extension as well as from newer randomized studies with IFN beta-1a sc as the reference treatment, the use of IFN beta-1a sc across the patient life span and as a bridging therapy, recent data regarding the mechanisms of action, and potential benefits of IFN beta-1a sc regarding vaccine responses. EXPERT OPINION IFN beta-1a sc paved the way to effective immunomodulatory treatment of MS, enabled meaningful insights into the disease process, and remains a valid therapeutic option in selected vulnerable MS patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Klaus Zettl
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Paulus Stefan Rommer
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Orhan Aktas
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital Bern, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Hecker
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Lie IA, Rød BE, Kvistad SS, Holmøy T, Myhr KM, Torkildsen Ø, Wergeland S. Interferon β1a treatment does not influence serum Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 70:104530. [PMID: 36701908 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) being conditional in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis and influential for disease activity. Interferon-beta (IFNβ) is a cytokine with antiviral effects used to treat MS, in which a possible antiviral effect against EBV has been questioned. In this study, we investigated the effect of IFNβ-1a treatment on serum EBV antibody levels in 84 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. In the 18 months following IFNβ-1a treatment initiation, there were no significant associations between treatment and serum levels of Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) immunoglobulin (Ig) G, early antigen (EA) IgG, viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG or VCA IgM. The findings suggest that IFNβ-1a treatment does not influence the humoral response to EBV in patients with MS.
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