Interferon beta-1b

The primary efficacy variable was calculated by subtracting the number of newly active lesions during the 3-month pre-treatment period from the cumulative number of newly active lesions during the 6-month treatment period divided by 2 (number of newly active lesions per three months, new lesion frequency per 3 months)

CDMS could be reached due to a qualifying relapse or sustained progression of 1.5 points on the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) as compared to the lowest EDSS obtained during screening or Day 1. The validity of CDMS diagnoses was confirmed by a central committee. The EDSS scale quantifies disability in MS in 8 functional systems, values vary between 0="normal neurological examination" and 10="death due to MS" measured in half-points on an ordinal scale. Time to CDMS = date of CDMS - date of Day 1 + 1 or time to CDMS = date of last clinical visit - date of Day 1 + 1 (right-censored)

EDSS progression was defined as an increase in the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of 1.0 point compared to the lowest EDSS score obtained during the screening or baseline visit, if this score was \<= 5.5. A confirmed EDSS progression status was defined as an EDSS progression observed at two consecutive scheduled visits at least 140 days apart from each other. The EDSS scale is a method of quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis in eight functional systems and values vary between 0="normal neurological examination" and 10="death due to MS" measured in half-points on a scale.

As an index of health related quality of life in people diagnosed with MS, the FAMS Trial Outcome Index covers overall physical health (sum of sub-scale scores Mobility, Symptoms, Thinking/Fatigue, Additional Concerns) with a score range from 0 to 148. A higher score reflects a higher overall physical health as reported by patients.