Tysabri:- Activity over 3 years

EpubKallweit et al. Sustained Efficacy of Natalizumab in the Treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Independent of Disease Activity and Disability at Baseline: Real-Life Data From a Swiss Cohort. Clin Neuropharm 012 Feb


OBJECTIVES: Therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with natalizumab (Tysabri) has been shown to be effective in the reduction of the clinical relapse rate and disability progression. However, real-life longitudinal data, including years before baseline, are rare.


METHODS: An observational single-center study was carried out. We analyzed data from 64 consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis.


RESULTS: After 1 year of treatment (n = 64), score on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) decreased by 0.47 points (P = 0.047) and the annualized relapse rate (ARR) decreased by 82% (P less than 0.001). After 2 years (n = 41), EDSS score was still reduced by 0.28 (not significant) and ARR was reduced by 69% (P less than 0.001). After 3 years (n = 23), EDSS score was reduced by 0.26 (not significant), and ARR was reduced by 77% (P less than 0.001). Reduction of EDSS score and ARR did not depend on baseline ARR (1-2 vs & greater than 2) or EDSS score and was not biased by exceptional high disease activity or relapses around baseline.


CONCLUSIONS: These real-life data reinforce that natalizumab is effective over years, reduces ARR, and stabilizes EDSS score independent of baseline ARR, baseline EDSS score, or baseline.



This study shows that tysabri works at slowing the rate of relapsws, but as our monthly updates show this can be associated with significant risk from the development of PML if you are JC virus positive and have taken prior immunosuppressive agents and have had more than 24 infusions.

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