Healthy worldwide uptake of Tysabri

US biotechnology firm Biogen Idec and Ireland's Elan reported data on the global utilization and patient exposure of their drug Tysabri (natalizumab), suggesting that it has now recovered from safety concerns that led to its market withdrawal two years ago. As of the end of March 2008, approximately 26,000 patients were on commercial and clinical therapy worldwide, with no cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy reported since re-launch in the USA and introduction internationally in July 2006.

According to the firms, growth in global utilization plus increasing confidence in the favorable benefit-risk profile of Tysabri indicate they are making great progress toward the goal of 100,000 patients on therapy by year-end 2010. These data, which were presented at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, suggest that neurologists and patients are increasingly choosing Tysabri for the treatment of their disease. The significant clinical benefits are established and Tysabri continues to offer the potential for compelling efficacy and hope for those patients living with MS," said Michael Panzara, chief medical officer of neurology at Biogen. Patients with Crohn's disease are now enrolling in the TOUCH program and beginning to receive Tysabri in the USA.