Multiple-sclerosis drug. Interferons are proteins produced naturally by the human body that help fight infections and regulate the immune system. A drug developed from interferons, called Avonex, is now available for treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In a clinical study, 85 MS patients received weekly injections of Avonex over a twoyear period. The number of exacerbations (i.e., flare-ups of symptoms) was recorded for each patient and is summarized in the accompanying table. For MS patients who take a placebo (no drug) over a similar two-year period, it is known from previous studies that 26% will experience no exacerbations, 30% one exacerbation, 11% two exacerbations, 14% three exacerbations, and 19% four or more exacerbations
Number of Exacerbations | Number of Patients |
0 | 32 |
1 | 26 |
2 | 15 |
3 | 6 |
4 or more | 6 |
Based on data from Biogen, Inc.
a. Conduct a test to determine whether the exacerbation distribution of MS patients who take Avonex differs from the percentages reported for placebo patients. Use α = .05.
b. Find a 95% confidence interval for the true percentage of Avonex MS patients who remain free of exacerbations during a two-year period.
c. Refer to part b. Is there evidence that Avonex patients are more likely to have no exacerbations than placebo patients? Explain.
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