Combination therapy with interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of mono-therapy with interferon-beta (IFN-beta) or glatiramer acetate (GA) with IFN-beta + GA combination therapy for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS & METHODS: In the context of a longitudinal observational study at the MS Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 83 persons with MS receiving mono-therapy at baseline were studied. Because of MS worsening 21 switched to IFN-beta + GA combination therapy for 16-24 months, and 62 remained on the same mono-therapy for 24 months. Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite, cognitive function, depressed mood, relapse occurrence and perceived physical and psychological impact were assessed. Linear mixed-effects models and generalized estimating equations were employed to evaluate changes in each outcome over time. RESULTS: Patients on IFN-beta + GA therapy showed greater change in odds for high perceived psychological impact. No other significant differences between treatments were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results underline the need for a randomized trial of IFN-beta + GA in MS.