Tysabri formerly known as Antegren (Natalizumab)

An experimental treatment being studied currently is the use of adhesion molecule blockers. Binding to adhesion molecules is thought to be an important step in white cells crossing arterial blood vessels and entering into the brain to attack myelin in MS.

A monoclonal antibody natalizumab, or Tysabri manufactured by Elan and Biogen Idec is one of the first drugs to be tested in this capacity

During one relatively small trial, D.H. Millers, among others, gave Tysabri 3 mg/kg or 6 mg/kg once monthly for 6 months. The medication stopped all lesions from forming in 75% (3 mg/kg group), or 65% (6 mg/kg group) compared to 32% in the placebo group.

Side Effects may include:

• headache
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• urinary tract infection
• pharyngitis
• rash

Recent News: The marketing of Tysabri has been suspended following a ruling by the FDA is the wake of two serious adverse events reported with its use. See the FDA Public Health Advisory for full details.

Latest: The above adverse events, were in fact two deaths linked to the drug, but recent clinical trials have revived hope that Tysabri may, once again, see the light of day. Tysabri is now classified as a disease-modifying drug.

References

Tysabri on the Multiple Sclerosis Society Site
The official Tysabri Site