Genetic Prediction of Interferon β Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis

A genome-wide screening study identifies candidates that may one day be used to identify patients likely to respond to the drug.

Response to interferon beta (IFN-β) therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) is variable. Early predictors of response are unknown. These authors conducted genome-wide screening to identify genes associated with efficacy of recombinant IFN-β therapy in 287 patients with MS who had received 2 years of treatment. The investigators used an “extremes-of-response” approach to aid detection of differences: Responders (n=143) were defined as having no relapse and no change in severity scale; nonresponders (n=142) had two or more relapses and a severity-scale increase of one point or greater.

Seven genes remained significant at different stages of internal validation and pooling: HAPLN1, GPC5, FLJ32978, and LOC442331 were associated with treatment nonresp…

Reviewing Author

Orhun H. Kantarci, MD