Avonex and Copaxone?

Because the interferons (Avonex and Betaseron) and Copaxone are believed to work in two completely different ways, both doctors and patients have thought that combining them might increase their effect.

Researchers at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center studied interferon alpha (related to the interferon betas used in MS) combined with Copaxone in lab mice with EAE, the animal model of MS. The mice treated with both agents developed more severe disease than those treated with either agent alone. While not directly comparable to what might happen to people with MS, these results show that combination therapy isn't a sure thing and needs to be approached with caution.

A task force of the National MS Society's Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials, chaired by Dr. Fred Lublin of MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, designed a pilot study to test the safety of combination therapy in people with relapsing-remitting MS. Five MS centers are cooperating; 32 volunteers who are already taking Avonex will be studied over the next 9 months to see if Avonex combined with Copaxone is safe.

Each volunteer will be followed for 3 months with monthly MRIs and frequent contact with physicians. Then, the volunteers will add daily Copaxone to their weekly Avonex. They will continue this combo therapy for 6 months with more MRIs and other tests. During the study, any increase in MRI-detected lesions or other problems will be analyzed to see if anything signals a safety problem.

This critical preliminary trial is funded by Biogen, Inc., with Copaxone provided free of charge by Teva Marion Partners. No additional volunteers are needed for the study.