Analysis of neutralizing IFN-beta antibodies (NPU27709)

Interferon beta (IFN-ß) treatment is beneficial in relapsing-remitting and some secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In some patients, treatment result in the development of antibodies to IFN-ß that may neutralize the biological effects of treatment. Therefore, it is important to analyse for the presence of IFN-ß neutralizing antibodies in the blood of MS-patients.

Serum samples are tested by a luciferase reporter gene assay. Blood samples are generally tapped for analysis from the MS-patient at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after start on IFN-ß treatment. We analyse patients treated with either Avonex, Rebif, Betaferon, Extavia or Plegridy.

The results are given as negative or positive. Positive results are given as a titer; tenfold reduction units per ml (TRU/mL). Titers >20 TRU/ml are positive, and antibodies are regarded to have influence on IFN-ß treatment effect. Values <20 TRU/ml are defined as negative and indicates that the strength of antibodies (if any) do not have significant influence on the IFN-ß treatment effect. Titers higher than 200 TRU/mL can be regarded as strongly positive.

Samples are analysed in Neuroimmunology Laboratory every 2. weeks. The results of the analysis are sent to LABKAII/sundhedsplatform for hospitals at Region H and by ordinary mail to other hospitals as soon as possible after analysis.

Price per analysis

1560 d.kr. (210 €)