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Natalizumab: a guide to its use in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

The humanized monoclonal antibody natalizumab (Tysabri®) is the first targeted therapy to be approved for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The annualized relapse rate, the risk of sustained progression of disability and the number of T2-hyperintense and gadolinium-enhancing lesions on magnetic resonance imaging were significantly lower with intravenous natalizumab than with placebo at 2 years in patients with RRMS in a phase III trial. In addition, treatment with natalizumab was generally associated with improved health-related quality of life and was well tolerated. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an uncommon complication of treatment with natalizumab. As long as the risk of PML is managed effectively, natalizumab is a valuable therapeutic option for adults with highly active relapsing forms of MS.

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Acknowledgments

The manuscript was reviewed by: A. Chaudhuri, Department of Neurology, Queen’s Hospital, Romford, London, UK; T. Menge, Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; F. Piehl, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; W.A. Sheremata, Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.

Disclosure

This article was adapted from Drugs 2013;73(13):1463–81 [3]. The preparation of these reviews was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from comments received were made by the authors on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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  1. Adis, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand

    Gillian M. Keating & Paul L. McCormack

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  1. Gillian M. Keating
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  2. Paul L. McCormack
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Correspondence to Gillian M. Keating.

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Keating, G.M., McCormack, P.L. Natalizumab: a guide to its use in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Drugs Ther Perspect 30, 48–54 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-013-0100-6

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