Search

Objective: To study the efficacy and tolerability of the generic drugs (β-interferon-1a biosimilars) CinnoVex for i.m. administration and Genfaxon-44 for s.c. administration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and methods: A total of 100 MS patients were treated with CinnoVex and 104 patients were treated with Genfaxon, in each case for one year. Status was assessed clinically using several scales, as well as by MRI scanning. Results and conclusions: High frequencies of treatment withdrawal due to lack of clinical efficacy and intolerability were noted. Positive effects in relation to stabilizing the course of MS were seen only in patients who had not previously been treated with MS disease-modifying drugs (DMD). Final resolution of the question of the equivalence of the original and “generic” drugs requires double-blind studies.

Teriflunomide is a new oral agent for the treatment of the recurring-remitting form of multiple sclerosis, its efficacy being demonstrated as a reduction in the frequency of exacerbations. Data obtained by MRI scanning have also confirmed its clinical efficacy. Single daily doses of teriflunomide are safe and well tolerated, with the development of mild and transient side effects. Nonetheless, a risk management plan should be put in place with the aims of minimizing and monitoring adverse effects during treatment.

We summarize here 10 years of experience of using glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) in 74 patients with active remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Significant decreases in the frequency of disease exacerbation over all 10 years were noted. Disease severity on the EDSS was stable and increased significantly only by the tenth year of observations. Positive stable clinical dynamics were independent of disease severity at the moment of treatment initiation. Tolerance of glatiramer acetate was good, allowing us to come close to controlling the course of MS – 64.8% of patients had no more than one exacerbation in 10 years, while 71.6% showed no or minimal progression of disease (up to 1 point on the EDSS scale). These observations lead to the conclusion that 10 years of treatment with Copaxone allows disease development to be controlled in many patients.