Study showed MRI benefits of Rebif, seen early in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treatment and sustained over time

Merck Reports Results Of 40-Week IMPROVE Study

Published:11-September-2009

By Staff Reporter

Germany-based Merck has reported the results of the complete 40-week IMPROVE (Investigating MRI Parameters with Rebif imprOVEd formulation) study.

Reportedly, the data showed a 69% reduction in the number of combined unique brain MRI lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) at 16 weeks, after initiation of treatment with Rebif (44mg three times a week) compared to placebo.

A post-hoc analysis showed that the positive effect can be detected as early as four weeks after treatment initiation. The decreased number of brain lesions was sustained over the 40-week trial period in patients treated with Rebif. The 16-week results also showed a 58% reduction in relapse rate versus placebo.

Additionally, the 40-week analysis shows that patients originally randomized to placebo and switched to Rebif at week 16, had a statistically significant decrease in combined unique active (CUA) lesions (mean number of CUA lesions/patient/scan decreased from 2.31, while on placebo (up to week 16) to 0.65 while on Rebif (weeks 17-40).

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