Bayer will launch a titration pack for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) that is specially designed to make it easier for them to start Betaferon (interferon beta-1b) therapy. From now on, the titration pack will be available in Germany. More European countries will follow in 2009. The four-week pack facilitates a gradual increase in dose as recommended for patients new on Betaferon.

Betaferon is a well-established therapy for people starting their MS treatment as early as after the first signs of the condition. Findings from the recent landmark BENEFIT (BEtaferon in Newly Emerging multiple sclerosis For Initial Treatment) trial have shown that gradual dose titration of the medication contributes to a high acceptance of Betaferon treatment from the start. Delivering Betaferon in an easy-to-use titration pack for the first four weeks of therapy will simplify the titration process for physicians, MS-nurses and patients.

"The new pack will make it easier for people with MS to start therapy. The titration process helps the body to better adjust to the medication, resulting regularly in fewer side effects. This is important because greater patient comfort, especially during the start of the therapy, can improve patient compliance to therapy and, consequently, its effectiveness," said Habib Dable, vice president and global head, Neurology/Ophthalmology of Bayer Schering Pharma's Global Business Unit Specialty Medicine.

The launch of the new titration pack for Betaferon underscores the ongoing commitment of Bayer to bridge the gap between treatment and care by addressing the day-to-day needs of people living with MS.

Betaferon, which is marketed in the US and Canada under the trademark Betaseron, was the first disease-modifying drug introduced for MS and is a well-established treatment around the world.