Drug updated on 4/16/2024
| Dosage Form | Injection (subcutaneous: 125 mg/0.5 mL, 63 mg/0.5 mL, 94 mg/0.5 mL; Intramuscular: 125 mcg/0.5 mL)) |
| Drug Class | Interferon beta |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
Summary
- Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. It targets demyelination and autoimmune responses in MS.
- Three studies were reviewed to gather information about Plegridy's safety and effectiveness. The drug showed a beneficial effect in reducing relapse rates with an efficacy risk ratio (RR) of 0.63 over 24 months compared to placebo.
- Compared to other Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs), Plegridy was found more effective than placebo but less effective than newer treatments like alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, and natalizumab which have shown lower RRs indicating higher effectiveness in reducing relapse rate.
- In terms of safety profile or treatment discontinuation due to adverse events, data specifically on Plegridy wasn't detailed; however, it is known that interferons commonly cause flu-like symptoms post-injection affecting adherence. Side effects remain a significant concern despite its convenience due to less frequent dosing because of pegylation.
- Alemtuzumab had the lowest RR versus placebo among all drugs reviewed indicating highest effectiveness while Mitoxantrone also showed high efficacy especially in preventing disability worsening but is associated with severe side effects such as cardiotoxicity, limiting its use.
- No specific population types or subgroup considerations were explicitly mentioned across studies, implying diverse set options catering to different patient profiles and disease activity levels are available; choice should be personalized considering factors like potential side effects and patient preference along with balancing between efficacy and safety aspects.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) prescribing information. | 2023 | Biogen Inc., Cambridge, MA |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis. | 2024 | The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |
| Interferon-beta injection in multiple sclerosis patients related to the induction of headache and flu-like pain symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. | 2022 | Current Neuropharmacology |
| Comparative efficacy and acceptability of disease-modifying therapies in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. | 2020 | Journal of Neurology |
Clinical Practice Guidelines
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| An update on peginterferon beta-1a management in multiple sclerosis: results from an interdisciplinary board of German and Austrian neurologists and dermatologists. | 2019 | BMC Neurology |