A non-glycosylated form of interferon beta-1 that has a serine at position 17. It is used in the treatment of both RELAPSING-REMITTING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS and CHRONIC PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. A possible role for IFNs in prophylaxis or early treatment of COVID-19 has been suggested to compensate for possibly insufficient endogenous IFN production. However, the efficacy and safety of IFNs for treatment or prevention of COVID-19 were not established.