When this post was first conceived, Tysabri was still experimental, but things have moved on. Natalizumab is now a prescription based drug with it’s own web site and home page.
I have retained this post for posterity and nostalgic reasons. The information has been superseded but may still be of interest.
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. Tysabri is an experimental treatment to stop the formation of lesions.
A monoclonal antibody natalizumab, is 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
How does natalizumab work?
Natalizumab is an ‘antibody’, like those found naturally in your immune system which fight off infections. By attaching itself to certain immune cells, natalizumab prevents these cells from leaving the blood stream and entering the brain and spinal cord where they can cause inflammation and damage.
Natalizumab is given through a drip (known as an infusion), which takes about an hour. You need to go to hospital once every four weeks for the infusion, but you don’t need to stay overnight.
Before I wrap up this article, I will leave you with a link to my MS symptoms page:
A Plethora of Neurological Dysfinctions
in the hope that you may tarry a while longer and help reduce my bounce rate.
Recent News: The marketing of Natalizumab 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
Tysabri: The official Site
