Why is AVONEX the treatment to start with and stay with?
AVONEX is the only MS therapy proven to be effective in people who have experienced a first attack and have MRI features consistent with MS. In a 3-year study, AVONEX reduced the risk of a second attack by 44%. In addition, in a separate 2-year study it was shown that people treated with AVONEX maintained their existing level of physical function longer than those in the control group. With AVONEX, there was a 37% decrease in the rate of disability progression versus placebo. This means people treated with AVONEX were less likely to reach a state of severe disability or require a cane or crutches to walk. Not only is AVONEX effective against relapses and disability as discussed above, it has also been shown to slow the changes that MS causes in the brain. AVONEX is strong against active brain lesions and reduced the rate of brain tissue shrinkage in the second year of treatment, as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
