Pharmacological differences and identities between distinct interferon-beta therapies are revealed when comparing 2-year whole genome RNA expression profiles

Objective: To compare and integrate longitudinal gene expression profiles derived from PBMCs of multiple sclerosis patients that received distinct Interferon-beta (IFNß) therapies. Background: Three beta interferon products are available for the treatment of RRMS. They differ according to formulation, route of administration and dosage regimens. Reasonable large scale analysis of peripheral blood gene transcripts could be strongly biased if not stratified for the respective drug. Method: Applying Affymetrix whole genome microarrays, we monitored 59 RRMS patients receiving IFNß1a sc (n=12), im (n=22) or IFNß1b sc…