Human interferon beta
Also known as: Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia, IFN-beta-1a, IFN-beta-1b, IFN-β, Interferon beta-1a, Interferon beta-1b, Rebif
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Summary
Recombinant human interferon beta (IFN‑β‑1a/1b) is a cytokine used as a disease‑modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
Mechanism of Action
Binds IFNAR1/IFNAR2 receptors, activates JAK1/TYK2 → STAT1/STAT2 → ISGF3 complex → transcription of antiviral and immunomodulatory genes
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Reduce relapse rate in RRMSEfficacyHigh
- Reduction of relapse rate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosisDisease ModificationHigh
- Delay of disability progression in MSNeurological / AutoimmuneHigh
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) — delay to clinically definite MSNeurological / AutoimmuneHigh
- Antiviral activityInfectious DiseaseModerate
- Delay disability progressionEfficacyHigh
- Reduction of MRI lesion burdenNeurological / AutoimmuneHigh
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (especially IFN-β-1b)ReproductiveModerate
- Decompensated hepatic diseaseHepaticHigh
- Hypersensitivity to IFN‑β or excipientsAllergyHigh
- PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Severe depressive disorder with suicidal ideationPsychiatricHigh
- Severe depression or suicidal ideationPsychiatricModerate
- Hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta or any excipientAllergy / ImmunologyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Hepatotoxicity / elevated liver enzymesHepaticCommon
- LeukopeniaHematologicRareLow white blood cell count
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- Hematological abnormalities (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicalUncommon
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue)Systemic / ConstitutionalCommon
- Depression and suicidal ideationPsychiatricUncommon
- DepressionPsychiatricUncommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs)ImmunologicalCommon
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine)Moderate
- Myelosuppressive agentsModerate
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids)Low
- Live vaccinesHigh
- CYP450 substrates (e.g., warfarin, phenytoin)Low
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, statins)Moderate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Severe renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pre-existing severe psychiatric disordersPsychiatricRelative
- LactationReproductiveRelative
- Pediatric patients (<18)AgeRelative
- Pediatric patients (<12 years)PediatricRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Elderly (>65)AgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosisEMA approval; several biosimilars authorized
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis, Clinically isolated syndromeMultiple formulations (Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron, Extavia) approved by FDA
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosisMHRA approved
Approved in US, EU, and UK for multiple sclerosis; several biosimilar versions are available.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Human interferon beta?
Recombinant human interferon beta (IFN‑β‑1a/1b) is a cytokine used as a disease‑modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
What is Human interferon beta used for?
Human interferon beta is educationally associated with: Reduce relapse rate in RRMS, Reduction of relapse rate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, Delay of disability progression in MS, Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) — delay to clinically definite MS, Antiviral activity, Delay disability progression, Reduction of MRI lesion burden. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Human interferon beta administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Human interferon beta?
Reported adverse effects include: Hepatotoxicity / elevated liver enzymes, Leukopenia, Injection site reactions, Flu‑like syndrome, Hematological abnormalities (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue), Depression and suicidal ideation, Depression, Elevated liver enzymes, Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Human interferon beta?
Recorded contraindications: Pregnancy (especially IFN-β-1b), Decompensated hepatic disease, Hypersensitivity to IFN‑β or excipients, Pregnancy, Severe depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, Severe depression or suicidal ideation, Hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta or any excipient. Consult a qualified clinician before use.