Serono reported that the European Commission has approved an update of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) of Rebif (interferon beta-1a), in order to align it with current medical practice.

Throughout the European Union, Rebif can now be prescribed after the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been confirmed based on one attack and subsequent positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) is a disease-modifying drug used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and is similar to the interferon beta protein produced by the human body. Interferon helps modulate the body's immune system, fight disease and reduce inflammation.

The 'therapeutic indication' section of the SmPC of Rebif now takes into account the McDonald criteria, which are the current reference criteria for the diagnosis of MS. The SmPC of Rebif was previously based on the Poser criteria, which were in use at the time of Rebif approval in the European Union in 1998, and Rebif was consequently indicated for MS patients who had experienced at least two attacks. Compared with the Poser criteria, the McDonald criteria utilize MRI evidence as an alternative to a second attack, and allow the same patients to be diagnosed with more sensitivity and specificity. Current understanding of the disease supports that it is critical to initiate treatment as soon as the diagnosis of MS is established to ensure the best possible outcome for the patients.

"We are delighted with the European Commission decision," said Roberto Gradnik, senior executive vice president Europe at Serono. "MS has an initial stage when clinical manifestations are not pronounced but irreversible neurological damage is taking place. This neurological damage determines the relative risk of progression of the disease. People with MS living in Europe will be able to benefit from the proven efficacy of Rebif as soon as MS is diagnosed, when it is needed most".

Rebif is proven effective on the following three key measures of treatment effectiveness: MRI lesion area and activity, relapse rates, and disability progression. The safety and efficacy of Rebif are supported by eight-year follow-up data and 12 years of patient experience from around the world.

The European Commission decision means that the updated SmPC of Rebif is valid immediately in all 25 member states of the European Union. In most other regions of the world, the therapeutic indication of Rebif already takes into account the McDonald criteria.

Rebif, which was approved in Europe in 1998 and in the US in 2002, is registered in more than 80 countries worldwide. In the United States, Rebif is co-marketed by Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Rebif has been proven to delay the progression of disability, reduce the frequency of relapses and reduce MRI lesion activity and area1. Rebif is available in a 22 mcg and 44 mcg ready-to-use pre-filled syringe and a titration pack, and can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days if a refrigerator is not available.

Most commonly reported side effects are injection site disorders, flu-like symptoms, elevation of liver enzymes and blood cell abnormalities. Patients, especially those with depression, seizure disorders, or liver problems, should discuss treatment with Rebif with their doctors.