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Objective – To evaluate the efficacy and safety of IFNβ -1a (Avonex® , Biogen, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA) in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods – In this multicenter, open-label, prospective clinical trial, 96 patients with relapsing–remitting MS received IFNβ -1a 30 mcg intramuscularly once weekly for 2 years. Outcome variables included: change from baseline in mean number of exacerbations, proportion of exacerbation-free patients, and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores at Years 1 and 2. Results – IFNβ -1a significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced exacerbation rate at Years 1 and 2 of treatment. The percentage of exacerbation-free patients was 53% during Year 1 and 33% during Year 2. Mean EDSS scores were 2.96 ± 1.26 at baseline, 2.89 ± 1.42 at Year 1, and 3.00 ± 1.62 at Year 2 (P = 0.116). EDSS scores improved in 35.4%, remained stable in 28.1%, and worsened in 36.5% of patients. IFNβ -1a treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion – This study confirms and extends the beneficial clinical profile for IFNβ -1a in relapsing MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]