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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Nowadays some disease-modifying drugs (DMD) in the Russian Federation (RF) are biosimilars. Their full spectrum of tolerability and efficacy is to be determined. Here we present results of two retrospective-prospective studies on efficacy and safety of a biosimilar interferon beta-1a (genfaxon) in treatment of MS in the RF.determination of safety and efficacy profile of genfaxon in a routine neurological practice in the RF.Trials were performed in 18 MS centers in the RF. A total of 649 patients aged from 18 to 68 years with the EDSS score no more than 6.0 were treated with genfaxon for 12 months. The first group was comprised of 'naïve' patients without previous history of DMD administration. There were patients in the second group which have already received some of DMD. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of significance criteria (χ-square), t-criteria of Student for analysis of independent samplings.There were no serious adverse events during the period of the study. "Naïve" patients had significantly lower number of adverse events, than patients with previous history of DMD usage. Efficacy results were comparable with results published for the Rebif.Data, received from the studies show equal efficacy and tolerability of genfaxon compared with original DMD Rebif.

Altogether 45 patients (41 women and 4 men) with benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) were observed. BIH developed in 22 women in the gestation period, in 4 during a menopause, in 2 in the presence of hypothyroidism, in 2 due to respiratory infection, in 2 due to a slight cerebrocranial injury, and in one patient with associated galactorrhea-amenorrhea. The cause of BIH in 12 patients remained unclear. Most of the women were obese (33 of 41). The clinical picture of BIH consisted of headaches, congested optic discs, and elevated pressure of cerebrospinal fluid. In most cases prognosis turned out favorable. In the residual period, 1 patient had amaurosis, 25 presented with mild headache, 19 completely recovered. Three women had recurrent BIH.