Interferon beta-1a
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| Trade names | Avonex, Rebif, Plegridy, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Professional Drug Facts |
| MedlinePlus | a604005 |
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| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous, intramuscular |
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| Elimination half-life | 10 hrs |
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| Formula | C908H1408N246O252S7 |
| Molar mass | 20027.14 g·mol−1 |
| (what is this?) (verify) | |
Interferon beta-1a (also interferon beta 1-alpha) is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It is produced by mammalian cells, while interferon beta-1b is produced in modified E. coli. Some research indicates that interferon injections may result in an 18–38% reduction in the rate of MS relapses.
Interferon beta has not been shown to slow the advance of disability. Interferons are not a cure for MS (there is no known cure); the claim is that interferons may slow the progress of the disease if started early and continued for the duration of the disease.