I’ve saved the most historic events of the “Decade of the Brain” for the last.

Years of research came to fruition when beta interferon 1-b (Betaseron) was introduced in 1993. Beta interferon 1-a (Avonex) was introduced in mid-1996, and glatiramer acetate for injection (Copaxone) arrived in late 1996. Two years into the new century, a variation of beta interferon 1-a (Rebif) was also introduced, giving U.S. patients four options. The course of MS can now be altered by reducing disease activity and preventing many attacks.

Subsequent research has confirmed and further demonstrated their benefits of these disease-modifying drugs, affirming their value. Before the 1990s, people had no power to change the course of their MS, but today tens of thousands of people worldwide are benefiting from these drugs.

Reference

Written by Loren A. Rolak, MD. Reproduced by permission from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, USA. © NMSS, 2003