Combination therapy of interferon Beta-1b and tacrolimus: a pilot safety study.

ABSTRACT: Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor which works to induce immune suppression by preventing cytokine transcription and lymphocyte activation. Combining the immunomodulator interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) with the immunosuppressant tacrolimus (Prograf) may have the potential of additive therapeutic benefit through the complementary mechanisms of action of these two therapeutics. In this randomized, open-label, multicenter, two-arm pilot study, the authors examined the safety and tolerability of the combination of interferon beta-1b and tacrolimus in relapsing remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) multiple sclerosis patients who have failed one or more immunomodulatory therapies. Patients (n = 25) received a combination of interferon beta-1b subcutaneously every other day and ora

SUBMITTER: Jacques F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3431088 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature