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NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
FACT SHEET
The neurodegenerative disease franchise is led by
the flagship product, Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) for
relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
Rebif is one of the leading treatments for MS in
the United States (US). It is the only self-injected
disease-modifying drug (DMD) proven effective in
reducing MRI lesion area and activity*, relapses and
slowing the progression of disability in relapsing MS.
Rebif is supported by strong clinical data, including
a head-to-head trial (EVidence for Interferon Dose
Response: European-North American Comparative
Efficacy) and one of the largest placebo controlled
clinical evaluations of interferon beta-1a in
relapsing MS to date (PRISMS – Prevention of
Relapses and disability by Interferon beta-1a
Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis).1,2 Rebif is also
the only MS therapy in the US to gain exception
from Orphan Drug exclusivity based on superior
efficacy. Rebif 44 mcg was shown to be superior
to Avonex® in terms of relapse reduction after 24
weeks in the EVIDENCE study.1
Compared with Avonex, side effects were generally
similar despite the higher, more frequent dosing of
Rebif. Differences included people taking Avonex
had more flu-like symptoms than those taking
Rebif. People taking Rebif had a greater number of
injection-site reactions, elevated liver enzymes, and
decreased white blood cell counts.
REBIF (INTERFERON BETA-1A) INDICATION
Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to
decrease the frequency of relapses and delay
the occurrence of some of the physical disability
that is common in people with MS. Rebif is not
approved for treatment of chronic progressive MS.
Rebif is available in 22 mcg and 44 mcg prefilled,
preassembled syringes and a titration pack by
prescription only.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Before beginning treatment, patients should
discuss with their doctor the potential benefits
and risks associated with Rebif. Let your doctor
know if you have a history of depression, seizures,
liver disease, thyroid problems, or blood cell count
or bleeding problems, or if you have had previous
allergic reactions to medications. Tell your doctor
about all medicines you take, including prescription
and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and
herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may
affect each other causing serious side effects. Talk
to your doctor before you take any new medicines.
Rebif is not recommended for women who are or
plan to become pregnant.
CONTACT
Erin Beals
781-681-2850
[email protected]
EMD Serono, Inc. is a subsidiary
of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
www.emdserono.com
www.facebook.com/myemdserono
Potential serious side effects of Rebif include
depression and risk of suicide, liver problems, risk
to pregnancy, injection-site problems and severe
allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and
may be associated with difficulty in breathing and
loss of consciousness, which require immediate
medical attention.
The most common side effects with Rebif are
injection-site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever,
chills, muscle aches, tiredness), depression,
Prescribers and patients should familiarize themselves
with product and risk information before using. For
more information on EMD Serono’s products, patient
support services, and full prescribing information,
visit emdserono.com.
LAST UPDATED MARCH 2012 | PAGE 1
120221-141006
EMD Serono is committed to developing new
treatment options and devices, as well as enhanced
patient support services for people living with
neurodegenerative diseases.
FACT SHEET NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood
cell count decreases. Let your doctor know if you
have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired,
hot or cold, or experience hives, rashes, bruising,
yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight
(gain or loss).
This information is not intended to replace
discussions with your doctor. For additional
information about Rebif® (interferon beta-1a), see
the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.
You can also visit www.mslifelines.com or call
toll-free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243).
Rebif is available by prescription only.
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MS LifeLines®
MS LifeLines is an educational and support service
that includes a call center that is available to the
multiple sclerosis (MS) community, including people
living with MS, their families and care partners. This
support service is sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc.
and Pfizer Inc. The MS LifeLines service provides
one-on-one support and information about MS
and available therapies, including Rebif® (interferon
beta-1a). Online resources from MS LifeLines
include educational resources; tips and stories from
others living with MS; access to local programs;
and ongoing updates on MS. MS LifeLines is staffed
by MS-certified nurses as well as reimbursement
specialists and patient support specialists. In
2011, the MS LifeLines’ Call Center was recognized
by J.D. Power and Associates for providing “An
Outstanding Customer Service Experience”.3 Since
2002, MS LifeLines has handled 1 million in-bound
calls from the MS community.
People living with MS can learn more about the
condition from MS Ambassadors through the Peer
Connection Program, sponsored by EMD Serono
and Pfizer. Ambassadors serve as an example and
a resource in the MS community by providing
inspiration and empowerment about living well
with MS. Nurse specialists are another valuable
component of MS LifeLines, providing educational
support to individuals living with MS who are new
to therapy. Reimbursement specialists are also an
integral part of MS LifeLines. These specialists work
with individuals to help them understand their
health insurance. For more information on Rebif®
(interferon beta-1a) or MS Lifelines, please visit
www.mslifelines.com or www.emdserono.com.
The exact correlation between MRI findings and the current or future clinical status of patients, including disability progression, is unknown.
Panitch H, EVIDENCE Study Group. Randomized, comparatives study of interferon beta-1a treatment regimens in MS, Neurology 2002;59:1496-1506.
Ebers G, PRISMS Study Group. Randomized double blind placebo-controlled study of interferon beta-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The Lancet. 1998; 352:1498-1504.
For J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Call Center Certification ProgramSM information, visit jdpower.com
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