Bayer has announced the launch of a new titration pack for patients with multiple sclerosis that is intended to make it easier for them to start Betaferon therapy.
The titration pack will be available in Germany, the company said. More European countries will follow in 2009. The four-week pack facilitates a gradual increase in dose as recommended for patients new on Betaferon.
According to Bayer, Betaferon is a well-established therapy for people starting their multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment as early as after the first signs of the condition. Findings from the recent Benefit trial have shown that gradual dose titration of the medication contributes to a high acceptance of Betaferon treatment from the start, the company added.
Habib Dable, vice president and global head of neurology/ophthalmology of Bayer Schering Pharma’s global business unit specialty medicine, said: 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.