Germany's Schering has published data in the medical journal Neurology that demonstrates the effectiveness of Betaseron in fighting multiple sclerosis. The study concludes that if patients begin taking Betaseron early they can reduce the chance of developing the disease by half over a two year period.

"Our study provides a strong rationale for the early use of early interferon beta-1b therapy after the first episode suggestive of MS," said lead investigator Mark S. Freedman. "It is well established that neurological damage, including damage of the nerve fibers or axons, can occur even before MS is diagnosed. The current thinking is that by limiting the amount of axonal damage through early and effective therapy, we can postpone a person's disability. The prime concern of people with MS is that they will become disabled in the next 10 to 20 years."

- see this release on the Betaseron study