Gene expression studies of a human monocyte cell line identify dissimilarities between Copaxone and Probioglat

Glatiramer Acetate (GA) has provided safe and effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients for two decades. It acts as an antigen, yet the precise mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated, and no validated pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic biomarkers exist. In order to better characterize GA’s biological impact, genome-wide expression studies were conducted with a human monocyte (THP-1) cell line. Consistent with previous literature, branded GA upregulated antiinflammatory markers (e.g. IL10), and modulated multiple immune-related pathways. Despite some similarities, significant differences were observed between expression profiles induced by branded GA and Probioglat, a differently-manufactured glatiramoid purported to be a generic GA. Cells from a human monocyte cell line (THP-1) were stimulated with either branded GA, purported generics from several manufacturers including Probioglat by ProbioMed, or vehicle control (mannitol) for 6, 12, or 24h. RNA was extracted and expression profiled genome-wide using the Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 chip. Four batches of GA and one batch of Probioglat were comparatively tested in six biological replicates each.