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A to Z of MS Natalizumab

Product names

Tysabri (during development the drug was known as Antegren)

Natalizumab is a disease modifying drug licensed for use with people with (two or more disabling relapses in one year). In studies natalizumab the relapse rate by about two thirds over two years.

How natalizumab works

Natalizumab is a type of drug called monoclonal antibodies. Natalizumab binds to molecules on the surface of specific immune cells and it is thought to act by preventing the cells from passing into the central nervous system via the blood-brain barrier.

How is natalizumab given?

Natalizumab is taken as an intravenous (IV) infusion via a drip once every four weeks.

Side effects and contraindications

Natalizumab should not be taken in conjunction with other immune suppressing drugs. This followed reports of two cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in two people who had received Tysabri in combination with Avonex as part of a two-year clinical trial. PML is a rare, demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that primarily affects individuals with a weakened immune system.

Commonly reported side effects of natalizumab include dizziness, nausea, urticaria (a skin rash) and stiffness.

References

Polman CH, et al.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of natalizumab for relapsing multiple sclerosis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354(9): 899-910.
abstract

Rudick RA, et al.
Natalizumab plus interferon beta-1a for relapsing multiple sclerosis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354(9): 911-923.
abstract

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