Biogen Idec publishes new risk stratification data for Tysabri

Biogen Idec and partner Elan have announced the publication of new risk stratification analysis for their multiple sclerosis therapy Tysabri.

Data from the companies' global Tysabri risk management programme has been featured in the New England Journal of Medicine, which provides an update on the potential for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with the drug.

Risk factors such as anti-JC virus antibody status, extended treatment duration and use of immunosuppressant therapy prior to Tysabri initiation were shown to be linked to a higher chance of being affected by the serious brain infection.

By releasing this data, Biogen Idec and Elan are hoping to help clinicians and patients make more informed and safer treatment decisions.

Dr Alfred Sandrock, senior vice-president for development science and chief medical officer at Biogen Idec, said: "This approach to treatment is intended to help patients better understand their individual benefit-risk profiles when considering Tysabri as a treatment option."

Earlier this week, the company announced that its newest multiple sclerosis drug BG-12 has been accepted for regulatory review in the US and Europe.