Battle for 'best' goes long term

FDA's approval of Rebif recombinant interferon beta-1a from Serono S.A. to treat multiple sclerosis has triggered competitors Biogen Inc. and Schering AG to pursue new post-marketing trials. Indeed, the key to the marketing battle between the three drugs is going to be demonstrating long-term clinical advantage.

But the new trials being planned by Biogen (BGEN, Cambridge, Mass) and Schering (FSE:SCH; SHR, Berlin, Germany) pursue opposite strategies. SHR, whose approved dose of Betaseron interferon beta-1b is already associated with side effects, is looking to double the approved dose. In contrast BGEN, whose Avonex interferon beta-1a has few side effects and is thought by many clinicians to be under-dosed based on the label, is not testing higher doses (see BioCentury, March 18). ...