US multiple sclerosis market growth remains centered on Tysabri and Gilenya ahead of Aubagio's launch

The average satisfaction rating for Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB) and Elan’s (NYSE: ELN) Tysabri (natalizumab). has increased significantly compared to a year ago with a parallel increase seen in Tysabri’s multiple sclerosis (MS) patient share over the same period, according to BioTrends Research, a unit of Decision Resources.

Data from the recently published TreatmentTrends: Multiple Sclerosis (US) Q3 2012 suggest that increased comfort with Tysabri’s risk-benefit profile, driven in part by strong awareness, adoption, and confidence with strong awareness and adoption of and confidence with the anti-JC virus antibody assay, which is used to help mitigate the progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) risk associated with Tysabri treatment, may be influencing Tysabri perceptions and prescribing behaviors among neurologists. Nevertheless, 48% of neurologists continue to see Tysabri as most appropriate as a third-line or later disease-modifying agent (DMA).

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