More MS news articles for December 2003

FDA Approves Pre-Filled Diluent Syringe for Betaseron

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/clinup_prefilled.asp

December, 2003
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The FDA has approved a new delivery system for interferon beta-1b (Betaseron®), called a Pre-Filled Diluent Syringe. The new system, which reduces the number of steps involved in reconstituting the medication, includes a syringe that is pre-filled with the diluent (mixing solution). Previously, the diluent was stored in a vial and had to be drawn up into the syringe in order to be mixed with the Betaseron. There have been no changes to the formulation—the medication is exactly the same—so that it remains non-acidic and able to be stored at room temperature. The new delivery system will be available to patients toward the end of January.