Outcomes of older patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1a or peginterferon beta-1a in MS PATHS

The peak prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is shifting to older patients. Using real-world data, we describe outcomes among older (≥60 years) and younger patients treated with interferon beta-1a or no disease-modifying therapy (no-DMT). Assessments over 24 months included annualized relapse rates (ARRs), patient-reported disability outcomes, and MS Performance Test (MSPT) outcomes. The study included 767 interferon-treated and 2783 no-DMT patients. ARR over 24 months was lower for the older and younger interferon-treated patients than the no-DMT patients. Mean change in Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) from baseline-24 months was −0.13 (1.08) in older interferon-treated patients vs 0.20 (1.30) in older no-DMT patients. Over 24 months ARR remained low and disability progression was stable for interferon-treated patients aged ≥ 60 years.