Abstract: The present invention concerns predictive mRNA biomarkers, which are used in combination with HLA-DRB4 for forecasting the treatment with MTX (methotrexate). The present invention further concerns a method for forecasting the treatment with MTX (methotrexate), comprising detection of the predictive mRNA biomarkers in combination with HLA-DRB4 in patient samples, whereby the patients are classified into responders or non-responders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors in a subject suffering from an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The methods involve assaying for expression of one or more biomarkers in the subject that are predictive of responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors. A preferred biomarker of the invention is CD11c. The methods can further comprise selecting a treatment regimen with a TNF? inhibitor in an autoimmune disorder subject based upon expression of the biomarker(s) in the subject. The methods can further comprise administering a TNF? inhibitor to the subject according to the selected treatment regimen. Kits that include means for measuring expression of one or more biomarkers that are predictive of responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors for an autoimmune disorder are also provided. Methods of preparing and using databases, and computer program products therefore, for selecting an autoimmune disorder subject for treatment with a TNF? inhibitor are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors in a subject suffering from an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The methods involve assaying for expression of one or more biomarkers in the subject that are predictive of responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors. A preferred biomarker of the invention is CD11c. The methods can further comprise selecting a treatment regimen with a TNF? inhibitor in an autoimmune disorder subject based upon expression of the biomarker(s) in the subject. The methods can further comprise administering a TNF? inhibitor to the subject according to the selected treatment regimen. Kits that include means for measuring expression of one or more biomarkers that are predictive of responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors for an autoimmune disorder are also provided. Methods of preparing and using databases, and computer program products therefore, for selecting an autoimmune disorder subject for treatment with a TNF? inhibitor are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for predicting responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors in a subject suffering from an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The methods involve assaying for expression of one or more biomarkers in the subject that are predictive of responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors. A preferred biomarker of the invention is CD11c. The methods can further comprise selecting a treatment regimen with a TNF? inhibitor in an autoimmune disorder subject based upon expression of the biomarker(s) in the subject. The methods can further comprise administering a TNF? inhibitor to the subject according to the selected treatment regimen. Kits that include means for measuring expression of one or more biomarkers that are predictive of responsiveness to TNF? inhibitors for an autoimmune disorder are also provided. Methods of preparing and using databases, and computer program products therefore, for selecting an autoimmune disorder subject for treatment with a TNF? inhibitor are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an array comprising oligo- or poly-nucleotide probes, immobilized on a solid support. The array is characterized in that, sequences of a selection or all of the selective monocytic macrophagic genes given in Tables 1-6 are bonded on the surface. The array permits the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases, a corresponding analysis of the efficacy of treatment and the monitoring of side-effects with the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy and thus permits the selection of the most effective therapy for each patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The invention further relates to a nucleic acid array for the prognosis and development of novel anti-TNF type medicaments and such medicaments with a mode of action in said regulatory circuit.

Abstract: It is proposed to use selectioned monocyte macrophage genes to provide tools for diagnostic, prognostic and therapy-monitoring analysis and for performing screenings for pharmacologically active substances and substance classes of chronic inflammatory diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases induced by bacteria, arteriosclerosis, tumors, organ and tissue transplantations, and sepsis when examining blood, tissue, purified or cultivated cells.