interferon beta 1b

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

interferon beta-1b has immunomodulatory effects, modulating or regulating the immune system. It regulates the activity of immunocytes, such as B and T lymphocytes & natural killer cells. By modulating the immune response, interferon beta-1b can reduce the inflammation and immune-mediated damage seen in multiple sclerosis. 

interferon beta-1b has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. By reducing inflammation, interferon beta-1b can help to decrease the frequency and severity of MS relapses or exacerbations. 

interferon beta-1b also exhibits antiviral effects. It inhibits the replication of certain viruses and enhance the antiviral response of infected cells. However, in the context of multiple sclerosis treatment, its primary mode of action is believed to be through immunomodulation rather than direct antiviral activity. 

Spectrum: 

• Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS): interferon beta-1b is indicated for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, the most common form of MS. interferon beta-1b helps to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, delay disease progression, and decrease the accumulation of disability. 
• Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS): interferon beta-1b is also approved for treating secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with relapses. SPMS is characterized by gradually worsening neurological function, with or without superimposed relapses over time. interferon beta-1b can help in the reduction of frequency of relapses & delays the progression of disability in patients with SPMS. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Pregnancy 
• Breastfeeding  

Caution 

• Depression 
• Liver function anomaly 
• Blood disorders 
• Autoimmune disorder 
• Seizures 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of this drug in breast milk.  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

• IFN beta-1b exerts its effects through various mechanisms, including immunomodulatory and antiviral actions. It binds to specific cell surface receptors, leading to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. This activation triggers the expression of numerous genes that mediate its therapeutic effects. 
• Immunomodulatory Effects: IFN beta-1b helps regulate the immune system by suppressing the activation and proliferation of specific immune cells, such as T and B cells. It reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, contributing to the immune-mediated damage seen in MS. 

Pharmacodynamics 

• Response: interferon alfa-n3 can induce an inflammatory response in the body. It can lead to flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and chills. These side effects get subsided with continued treatment. 
• Other Effects: interferon alfa-n3 may also exert other effects on various body systems. For example, it can influence the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, leading to changes in lipid and glucose levels. It also affects the function of the central nervous system and contributes to psychiatric side effects, including depression and anxiety. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The time taken to achieve peak plasma concentration is 1-8 hours 

The maximum concentration is 40IU/ml 

Distribution 

The volume of distribution is 0.25-2.88 L/kg 

The bioavailability is 50% 

Metabolism 

IFN beta-1b is a large protein molecule broken down primarily by proteolytic enzymes in the body. Proteolysis refers to the enzymatic cleavage of peptide bonds, leading to the degradation of proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. 

The breakdown of IFN beta-1b occurs in various organs, including the liver and kidneys. The liver carries out metabolism of proteins and peptides, including the clearance of IFN beta-1b from circulation. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The rate of clearance is 9.4-28.9 ml/min 

The half-life is 8 minutes to 4.3 hours 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

IFN beta-1b is available as a prefilled syringe or an autoinjector device, simplifying the administration process. Before administration, ensure that the medication is at room temperature.

If using a prefilled syringe, carefully follow the instructions for preparing the syringe and removing any air bubbles. If using an autoinjector device, follow the device-specific instructions for preparation.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: interferon beta-1b 

Pronounced: IN-ter-FEER-on-be-taa  

Why do we use interferon beta-1b? 

interferon beta-1b (IFN beta-1b) treats multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the CNS. It also helps in reducing relapse and delaying the disease progression.