Plasmablast Measurement for RRMS Therapy Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) with interferon beta (IFN-β) are hindered by the inability to predict which patients will experience adverse reactions or be nonresponsive, leading to painful and unnecessary treatment, and there is a need for alternative treatment options for patients unsuitable for IFN-β.
Innovation Solution
The use of plasmablast (PB) levels in peripheral blood as an index to predict the therapeutic effect of IFN-β and IL-6 inhibitors, where high PB levels indicate low responsiveness to IFN-β and potential for adverse reactions, allowing for the selection of appropriate treatment methods, including the use of IL-6 inhibitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interferon beta is administered to RRMS patients, then relapses are suppressed and progression is inhibited, but serious adverse reactions occur and treatment becomes difficult to continue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring plasmablast levels before interferon beta administration to predict which patients will experience adverse reactions or be nonresponsive. This pre-treatment assessment allows clinicians to identify suitable candidates and avoid treating patients who are likely to have poor outcomes or severe side effects, thereby preventing harmful effects before they occur.
2Reliability
If interferon beta administration is continued to determine therapeutic effect, then treatment efficacy can be assessed, but treatment time is extended and patient burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary measurement of plasmablast levels before treatment to predict therapeutic response, eliminating the need for prolonged treatment periods to assess efficacy. Patients who are likely to be nonresponsive can be identified upfront, avoiding the time loss associated with continuing ineffective treatment for half a year to one year.
3Reliability
If plasmablast levels are measured to predict treatment response, then inappropriate treatment can be avoided, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex clinical trial-based assessment methods with a simpler biological marker measurement (plasmablast levels in peripheral blood). This substitution uses a straightforward immunological measurement to predict treatment response, reducing the complexity of determining treatment suitability while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, the amount of a plasmablast (PB) in a sample of a relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patient can be measured, thereby predicting the therapeutic effect of interferon beta (IFN-β) or predicting a RRMS case for which the continuous administration of IFN-β is difficult due to the manifestation of a serious adverse reaction or the aggravation of concomitant immune disorder. In addition, the amount of PB in a sample of a RRMS patient can also be measured, thereby predicting the therapeutic effect of an IL-6 inhibitor in the treatment of RRMS. As a result, a treatment method effective for patients not suitable for IFN-β in the treatment of RRMS can be provided.