Early treatment with Biogen and Elan's Tysabri reduces MS relapse rates

US biotech firm Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB) and Ireland-based Elan Corp (NYSE: ELN) have released new data on their co-marketed multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri (natalizumab) at the 5th Joint Triennial Congress of the European and Americas Committees for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS and ACTRIMS), held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, showing the benefits of early treatment with the drug.

Key data indicated patients on Tysabri experienced reduced annualized relapse rates (ARR), particularly in those treated with the drug early in the course of their disease. Data also indicated a long-term benefit for patients who had achieved freedom from disease activity early in their treatment course.

Data from a separate study showed Tysabri-treated patients experienced improved incontinence-related quality of life (QOL). Additional data sets were presented further supporting Biogen Idec’s and Elan’s efforts to stratify the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in Tysabri -treated patients.