This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.
Abstract
Background: Debate continues concerning the relevance of neutralizing antibody (NAb) development on the efficacy of interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The PRISMS (Prevention of Relapses and Disability by Interferon β-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis) Study of subcutaneous IFNβ-1a showed significant benefit on all efficacy outcomes with no significant impact from NAb development on relapses at 2 years. The 2-year extension permitted longer observation following NAb development.
Methods: Exploratory post-hoc analyses of pharmacodynamic response and clinical and MRI outcomes were performed on data from 368 patients with relapsing MS treated with IFN from study start, based on NAb status.
Results: Persistent NAbs, above 20 NU/mL, were present in 14% of the 44-μg three times weekly (TIW) and 24% of the 22-μg TIW group over 4 years. NAb development was associated with reduced pharmacodynamic marker induction at 1 year. Over the entire 4 years of study, relapse and disability measures were similar between NAb+ and NAb− patients. However, once NAbs developed, significant differences were noted between NAb+ and NAb− groups, particularly on MRI and relapse measures. The presence of binding antibodies alone did not affect outcome.
Conclusion: Neutralizing antibody development in interferon-treated patients is correlated with reduced efficacy and is a potential cause for renewed disease activity.
AAN Members
We have changed the login procedure to improve access between AAN.com and the Neurology journals. If you are experiencing issues, please log out of AAN.com and clear history and cookies. (For instructions by browser, please click the instruction pages below). After clearing, choose preferred Journal and select login for AAN Members. You will be redirected to a login page where you can log in with your AAN ID number and password. When you are returned to the Journal, your name should appear at the top right of the page.
AAN Non-Member Subscribers
Purchase access
Letters: Rapid online correspondence
REQUIREMENTS
You must ensure that your Disclosures have been updated within the previous six months. Please go to our Submission Site to add or update your Disclosure information.
Your co-authors must send a completed Publishing Agreement Form to Neurology Staff (not necessary for the lead/corresponding author as the form below will suffice) before you upload your comment.
If you are responding to a comment that was written about an article you originally authored:
You (and co-authors) do not need to fill out forms or check disclosures as author forms are still valid
and apply to letter.
Submission specifications:
- Submissions must be < 200 words with < 5 references. Reference 1 must be the article on which you are commenting.
- Submissions should not have more than 5 authors. (Exception: original author replies can include all original authors of the article)
- Submit only on articles published within 6 months of issue date.
- Do not be redundant. Read any comments already posted on the article prior to submission.
- Submitted comments are subject to editing and editor review prior to posting.
You May Also be Interested in
Topics Discussed
Alert Me
Recommended articles
Neutralizing antibodies and efficacy of interferon β-1a
Incidence and significance of neutralizing antibodies to interferon beta-1a in multiple sclerosis
Effect of neutralizing antibodies on biomarker responses to interferon beta
Interferon β-1b–neutralizing antibodies 5 years after clinically isolated syndrome