Long Term Study of Avonex Therapy Following a First Attack of Multiple Sclerosis
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The current study is a continuation of the 5 year extension study of the phase III CHAMPS
study (see reference). This study was designed to determine if immediate initiation of
therapy with Interferon Beta-1a (AVONEX) after a first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS)
continues to delay the development of further attacks (CDMS) and the development of
neurological disability over a 10 year period of observation. The initial 5 year extension
study, called CHAMPIONS5, reported that immediate initiation of interferon Beta-1a (AVONEX)
after a first attack of MS continued to delay the development of CDMS and lowered relapse
rates compared to delayed initiation of disease modifying treatment (usually with AVONEX)
either at the time of a second attack or at the end of the phase III study (24 months). The
study was extended to 10 years to determine if these effects are sustained and result in less
long term permanent disability.