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Avonex/Zocor
This is a combination of two separate marketed drugs: Avonex (interferon beta-1a) which modulates immune response in multiple sclerosis, and Zocor (simvastatin) which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase to lower cholesterol.
This is a combination of two separate marketed drugs: Avonex (interferon beta-1a) which modulates immune response in multiple sclerosis, and Zocor (simvastatin) which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase to lower cholesterol. Used for Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (Avonex component), Hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease prevention (Zocor component).
At a glance
| Generic name | Avonex/Zocor |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina |
| Drug class | Combination of interferon and statin |
| Target | Interferon beta receptor (Avonex); HMG-CoA reductase (Zocor) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology (MS) and Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Avonex is a recombinant interferon beta-1a that acts as an immunomodulator, reducing inflammatory responses and T-cell proliferation in multiple sclerosis. Zocor is a statin that competitively inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels. These are distinct drugs with different mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Approved indications
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (Avonex component)
- Hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease prevention (Zocor component)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (Avonex)
- Injection site reactions (Avonex)
- Myalgia (Avonex)
- Muscle pain/myopathy (Zocor)
- Elevated liver enzymes (Zocor)
Key clinical trials
- Randomized, Embedded, Multifactorial Adaptive Platform Trial for Community- Acquired Pneumonia (PHASE3)
- Simvastatin as an Add-on Treatment to Interferon-beta-1a for the Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE4)
- Simvastatin in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) Patients Using Avonex Compared to Placebo (PHASE3)
- EARLY IFNB-1a and Simvastatin Combination Therapy in Clinically Isolated Syndrome Suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE4)
- A Safety Study of Combination Treatment With Avonex and Zocor in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Avonex/Zocor CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Avonex/Zocor updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of North Carolina portfolio CI