Biogen Idec shares rise after Tysabri comeback

The share price of Biogen Idec rose at the end of regular trading on Monday after a drug previously withdrawn from the market was re-approved.

Developed for the treatment of patients suffering from severe to moderate Crohn’s disease (CD), Tysabri (natalizumab) is made by Biogen Idec and Elan, and aimed at those who are otherwise unresponsive to other treatments.

It was pulled from the market in 2005 following the discovery of its capacity to increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy but has now been approved and is expected to be available to sufferers of CD by the end of next month.

“Despite the therapeutic advances of the TNF-alpha inhibitors in CD, there remains a significant unmet need for Crohn’s patients who have inadequate responses to, or are unable to tolerate, current CD therapies,” remarked Dr Evan Beckman senior vice-president of immunology research and development at Biogen Idec.

Assistance and guidance on correct administration of the drug is to be facilitated by the Tysabri Outreach: Unified Commitment to Health prescribing programme, which is already used for those using the treatment for multiple sclerosis.