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Interferon beta-1a (Avonex)
Interferon beta-1a activates interferon signaling pathways to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammatory activity in the central nervous system.
Interferon beta-1a activates interferon signaling pathways to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammatory activity in the central nervous system. Used for Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with active disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | Interferon beta-1a (Avonex) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Avonex |
| Sponsor | Biogen |
| Drug class | Interferon beta |
| Target | Interferon-beta receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Interferon beta-1a binds to interferon-beta receptors on immune cells and other tissues, triggering JAK-STAT signaling and other downstream pathways that enhance antiviral and immunoregulatory responses. In multiple sclerosis, this leads to reduced T-cell proliferation, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and reduced migration of immune cells across the blood-brain barrier, thereby slowing disease progression and reducing relapse rates.
Approved indications
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with active disease
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia)
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Leukopenia
- Depression
Key clinical trials
- An Observational Study to Learn About the Interferon-beta Exposure of Pregnant Women During the Second and Third Trimester in Finland and Sweden
- Open Label Randomized Multicenter to Assess Efficacy & Tolerability of Ofatumumab 20mg vs. First Line DMT in RMS (PHASE3)
- Safety and Efficacy of Fingolimod in Pediatric Patients With Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE3)
- Traditional Versus Early Aggressive Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Trial (NA)
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of BIIB017 (Peginterferon Beta-1a) in Pediatric Participants for the Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (PHASE3)
- Determining the Effectiveness of earLy Intensive Versus Escalation Approaches for RRMS (PHASE4)
- Pregnancy Exposure Registry for Vumerity (Diroximel Fumarate)
- Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety Study of BG00012 in Pediatric Subjects With Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) (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:
- Interferon beta-1a (Avonex) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Interferon beta-1a (Avonex) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Biogen portfolio CI