interferon beta-1b

Interferon beta-1b (tradenames Betaferon, Betaseron (North America), Extavia and ZIFERON) is a drug in the interferon family used to treat the relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). 

It is believed that interferon-beta based drugs achieve their beneficial effect on MS progress via their anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have also determined that interferon-beta improves the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) — which generally breaks down in MS patients, allowing increasing amounts of undesirable substances to reach the brain. This strengthening of the BBB may be a contributing factor to interferon-beta beneficial effects. These studies were carried out in vitro, so it does not necessarily mean it works the same in people.

Closely related is interferon beta-1a, also indicated for MS, and with a very similar drug profile.