Biogen Idec and Elan celebrate Tysabri anniversary

Biogen Idec and Elan are currently celebrating the second anniversary of Tysabri (natalizumab) as a treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Today marks the anniversary of the first international approval of the compound and the reintroduction of the project in the US, with the companies estimating over 31,800 patients worldwide are receiving the drug.

Since the first international approval of Tysabri in July 2006, there have been no confirmed cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

A number of countries, including the UK, France and Germany, have recommended Tysabri for reimbursement by public health agencies.

Post-hoc analyses of phase III clinical trials presented this year at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology show the drug to significantly increase the proportion of MS patients considered disease free.

Thomas F Scott, professor of neurology at the Drexel University College of Medicine, said: “During the past two years, my patients who are being treated with Tysabri appear to experience very positive benefits from the drug.”

He added that many patients tell him the compound is helping them regain control over their lives.

In April 2008, the Associated Press said US-traded shares in Elan rose on news that 26,000 patients are using Tysabri for multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.