Adherence to, and effectiveness of, subcutaneous interferon beta-1a administered by RebiSmart (R) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: results of the 1-year, observational SMART study

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis who have poor adherence to treatment have a higher risk of relapse than adherent patients. This study assessed adherence to, and effectiveness and convenience of, treatment with subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN) beta-1a (Rebif, Merck Serono SA) 44 or 22 mu g three times weekly in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) using the RebiSmart (R) electronic, multidose, autoinjector for 1 year. Study design: European, multicentre, observational study among neurologists: inclusion criteria included RMS, Expanded Disability Status Scale score