Elan and Biogen Idec announce Tysabri anniversary

Elan and Biogen Idec have announced the first anniversary of the launch of Tysabri (natalizumab) as a treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the European Union and its return to the US market.

The firms report that – as of the middle of this month – around 14,000 patients around the world are currently being treated with the compound both commercially and in clinical trials.

In the European Union alone, over 4,300 patients are being treated with Tysabri commercially.

According to clinical trials, administration of the compound results in a 68 per cent reduction in the annualised relapse rate and lowering of the relative risk of disability by 42-54 per cent when compared to placebo.

Dr Howard Rossman, medical director of the MS Centre at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, commented that he has seen a number of patients benefit from receiving Tysabri over the past 12 months.

“As expected from clinical trials, Tysabri is having a positive impact on their lives,” he said.

“The compelling efficacy of Tysabri offers MS patients hope in the management of their disease.”

He added that increased experience with the compound will enhance the understanding of the role of the drug as a treatment for patients with MS.

Last week, Elan and Biogen Idec announced that they would appeal the negative opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use relating to the application for marketing approval for Tysabri as a treatment for Crohn’s disease.