Combination therapy of Avonex and doxycycline in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with unknown etiology. Multiple sclerosis causes disability in young people. An Immunomodulatory drug like Avonex (IFN β1a) is used to prevent relapses or disease progression. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy of combination therapy (Avonex and doxycycline) with standard therapy (Avonex) in remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A double blind clinical trial was conducted. During four-month study period, 46 patients with RRMS, under standard medication (Avonex), were entered into the study. Their EDSS score were between 1-5. They randomly allocated in to two study groups with 23cases in each arm (cases and controls). All cases were allocated to each group based on blocking method. They received Avonex only in control group and Avonex and doxycycline in case group. EDSS was measured in both groups in the beginning and at the end of study. First EDSS and EDSS scores at the end of first, second, third and fourth months in both groups were compared. Number and rate of clinical attacks and side effects of treatment were assessed in both groups. In case group, there was significant changes between the first EDSS and final EDSS score, but there was not any statistically significant finding in control group after 4 months. There was no significant difference between case and control group in EDSS scores during four-month study period and there was not significant difference between case and control groups in clinical attacks. Combination therapy was well tolerated without additive side effects. It seems that combination of both Avonex and doxycycline in RRMS patients were effective, safe, and well tolerated.