Key takeaways
Mayzent (siponimod) and Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) are both treatments for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they differ in several ways. Mayzent is an oral medication taken once daily, while Betaseron is an injectable medication administered every other day. Mayzent works by modulating the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor to prevent white blood cells from causing nerve damage, whereas Betaseron is a biologic that affects the immune system, though its exact mechanism is unknown. Mayzent requires genetic testing before starting treatment to determine the appropriate dose, while Betaseron does not. Common side effects of Mayzent include headache and high blood pressure, whereas Betaseron often causes flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions. Additionally, Mayzent is only available as a brand-name medication, while Betaseron has a similar counterpart called Extavia. Both medications have serious potential side effects, but they differ in their specific risks and administration methods.
