FDA approval sought for Avonex.A second interferon beta interferon beta Fibroblast interferon IFN-β A 20 kD anti-viral protein with 30% 'homology' with IFN alpha, encoded on chromosome 9, produced by fibroblasts in response to viruses or polyribonucleotides drug for the treatment of MS has been named Avonex by its developer, Biogen, Inc. The company has filed for FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. approval to market this drug following the successful multicenter trial A multicenter research trial is a clinical trial conducted at more than one medical center or clinic. Most large clinical trials, particularly Phase III trials, are conducted at several clinical research centers. reported in our Winter/Spring 1995 issue. Results of that trial suggest that Avonex may slow the accumulation of physical disability and reduce both the relapse rate and the number and volume of brain lesions in relapsing-remitting MS. The FDA's review process may take a year or longer. Avonex, like the already approved Betaseron, is a genetically engineered genetically engineered adjective Recombinant, see there form of the protein, interferon beta. The company believes Avonex is biologically closer to human interferon beta. Avonex is taken by injection into muscle tissue, once a week. Betaseron is delivered by a shallow "under the skin" injection, every other day. |
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