The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7329 p845
11 December 2004

This article
Reprint   Photocopy

  Acrobat Reader

News summary

Monoclonal antibody reduces relapse in multiple sclerosis

A new drug undergoing review for approval as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (PJ, 11 January, 2003, p44) has been shown to be effective in reducing MS relapse rates, the companies developing the drug have announced.

Natalizumab (Antegren) is a humanized monoclonal antibody thought to work by inhibiting adhesion molecules on the surface of immune cells, preventing the cells from migrating into the brain where they can potentially damage nerve fibres.

One year data from the phase III AFFIRM (Antegren safety and efficacy in relapsing-remitting MS) study, a two-year trial involving 942 patients, showed that natalizumab reduced MS relapse rate by 66 per cent, compared to placebo.

Natalizumab, being jointly developed by Biogen Idec and Elan, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration this week and is expected to be available in the UK towards the end of next year.