The CombiRx trial of combined therapy with interferon and glatiramer cetate in relapsing remitting MS: Design and baseline characteristics.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Interferon-β1a (IFNB) and glatiramer acetate (GA) are distinct therapies which are both partially effective for relapsing MS. It is not known if combining the two treatments would be more effective. OBJECTIVE: To review the rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of the CombiRx study of combined treatment with IFNB and GA. METHODS: The key inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of relapsing MS, at least 2 episodes of MS activity in the previous 3 years, expanded disability status scale of 0 to 5.5, and no prior treatment with either IFNB or GA. Subjects were randomized to IFNB+GA, IFNB monotherapy, or GA monotherapy in a 2:1:1 ratio. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2009, we enrolled 1008 subjects. The participants were 72.4% female and 87.6% Caucasian with a mean age of 37.7

SUBMITTER: Lindsey J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3384544 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature