Tysabri shows positive risk/benefit profile

USA-based biotechnology firm Biogen Idec and Irish counterpart Elan say that new data on the global utilization of the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri (natalizumab) indicates a favorable risk/benefit profile. The finding is based on analysis of the more than 17,000 patients using the product, as of the end of September this year.

Since returning to markets worldwide earlier this year (Marketletters passim), Tysabri has been subject to strict monitoring. In the USA, the TOUCH prescribing program makes the drug available with the proviso that all patients who receive it register and are monitored. In addition, pregnant women treated with the product are required to join the Tygris pregnancy registry.

Biogen and Elan said that, according to data available so far, there have been no new confirmed cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, the disorder that originally led to the product's withdrawal (Marketletters passim).