Biogen discusses MS treatment

Biogen has asserted Tysabri is changing the way patients are treated for multiple sclerosis (MS).

The drug ? the generic name of which is natalizumab ? has been developed in partnership with Elan.

It aims to stabilise and regenerate damage done to the myelin sheath, which causes symptoms of the condition.

Results of a clinical trial have shown the drug has the ability to improve physical function in sufferers and the strong efficacy profile may help redefine success in the illness.

Dr Michael Panzara, vice-president and chief medical officer of neurology at Biogen, noted the medication is altering how neurologists and patients define success in aiding the disease.

“These MRI data ? provide early evidence that Tysabri may not just slow the progress of MS, but may also be able to reverse the damage inflicted by the disease,” he said.

Earlier this month, the company released its first quarter of 2009 results.

The firm’s president and chief executive officer James C Mullen stated sales of all three marketed products and advancement of its pipeline were in line with expectations.