Update on Neutralizing Antibodies in MS Treatment
The interferons are a mainstay in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) but patients may develop antibodies that neutralize their effect and reduce clinical efficacy. Antibodies may be classified as the binding type, which alone almost never affect efficacy, or as the neutralizing type, which at a significant titer may totally abrogate the clinical effectiveness of interferon therapy. Various types of assays exist which can now measure not only the presence of neutralizing antibodies, but their effect as well.
As more information has become known about the effects of these neutralizing antibodies, attempts have been made at reaching a consensus on their impact. What is clear is that the acquisition of antibodies directed against one of the interferon formulations causes a loss of efficacy of the entire class. As there are different incidences of antibody formation between the interferon formulations (IFN-ß-1a vs. IFN-ß-1b) and between the routes of administration (IM vs. sq), initial choice of therapy is critical. This program will help participants understand the factors associated with neutralizing antibody formation, interpret the guidelines for the use of antibody titers in clinical practice, and learn how to integrate neutralizing antibodies testing into their practice.