Doctors diagnosed her with MS, and asked her to take the drug, known by the brand name Avonex, to see whether it could prevent a second episode. In the study, researchers at about 50 U.S. and Canadian MS treatment sites concluded that giving patients a drug called interferon beta-1a within weeks of the first nerve inflammation reduced the likelihood of developing MS symptoms within three years by 44 percent. Avonex is a genetically engineered replica of a naturally occurring human protein, said the lead researcher, Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, professor of neurology at SUNY-Buffalo and head of neurology at Buffalo General Hospital. It works by reducing inflammation and quieting the overactive immune system. Only one-third of patients who gave themselves weekly thigh injections of the drug developed MS within three years, compared with half the patients who injected a harmless substance.
Researchers say the remaining question is just how long the benefits of the drug last.
They also want to know whether this drug can help prevent the disease altogether. Experts say more research will be needed to answer these questions. He also said that patients need to be followed for longer than three years to determine how long they need the interferon treatment and that other MS drugs should be studied to determine whether there are similar benefits when given earlier. CNN Medical Correspondent Rhonda Rowland and The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved.