Interferon Beta-1a (Avonex)

Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.

About Interferon Beta-1a

What it is

Interferon beta-1a is a manufactured version of a natural immune signalling protein. In multiple sclerosis it calms the immune attack on the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, reducing relapses. It is injected into a muscle weekly or under the skin several times a week, and is sold as Avonex, Rebif and Plegridy (a long-acting form).

How genes come into it

As a protein, interferon beta is not broken down by drug-processing enzymes. Studies, several of them genome-wide, have searched for genes that predict who has fewer relapses on it, flagging GAPVD1, CD58, FHIT, HLA genes and others; none has been confirmed independently. There is no CPIC or DPWG guideline.

What research found

Every published finding on gene variants and Interferon Beta-1a. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.

Rated evidence (14 rated variants)

PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.

IRF6 rs2205986: Level 3. Toxicity: Drug-induced liver injury, Multiple Sclerosis. 1.

CD58 rs12044852: Level 3. Efficacy: Multiple Sclerosis. 1.

rs4278350: Level 3. Efficacy: Multiple Sclerosis. 1.

ZNF697 rs10494227: Level 3. Efficacy: Multiple Sclerosis. 1.

Response (14 findings)

Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.

rs1448673: Allele G is associated with increased response to interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b in people with Multiple Sclerosis as compared to allele A.

rs3133084: Allele A is associated with increased response to interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b in people with Multiple Sclerosis as compared to allele G.

rs4278350: Allele T is associated with increased response to interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b in people with Multiple Sclerosis as compared to allele C.

ACE rs1799752: Genotype del/del is associated with decreased response to interferon beta-1a in men Multiple Sclerosis.

Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.

Related Drugs

More drugs from the same category

Betaseron (Interferons)

Interferon alfa-2a (Interferons)

Interferon alfa-2b (Interferons)

Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.

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Content updated September 2026.

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