Elan and Biogen Idec multiple sclerosis drug recommended by NICE

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has this week issued its guidance regarding the use of Tysabri (natalizumab) as a treatment of rapidly evolving, severe relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RES).

Produced as part of the institute’s rapid single technology appraisal work initiative, NICE published guidance recommending the use of the compound on the NHS as a treatment for these patients.

NICE defines rapidly RES by two or more disabling relapses in the space of one year in conjunction with at least one gadolinium-enhancing lesion on the brain or a significant rise in T2 lesion load.

Tysabri is a compound from Biogen Idec and Elan which was launched a year ago in the European Union, with over 4,300 patients currently using the drug commercially in the region.

Andrew Dillon, executive lead for the appraisal, said: “The independent advisory committee decided that natalizumab should be an option for the treatment only of rapidly evolving severe relapsing?remitting multiple sclerosis.”

He added that this decision followed the presentation of evidence of use of the drug, together with responses received by NICE during its consultation, while the recommendation is “good news” for patients with this form of multiple sclerosis.

Earlier this week, Biogen Idec and Elan announced the publication of positive phase III clinical data showing that administration of Tysabri results in an improvement in health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients.