SM Hírek : Drug Reduces Frequency of MS Relapses |
Drug Reduces Frequency of MS Relapses
2005.01.17. 12:43
FRIDAY, Jan. 14 (HealthDayNews) -- Once-a-month intravenous therapy with the drug Tysabri appears to reduce relapses among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a Rush University Medical Center study.
"We have seen a dramatic two-thirds reduction in the relapse rate and a significant decrease in the development of new or enhancing brain MRI lesions, which also point to controlling the disease. I believe this is a major advancement that will benefit patients with MS," Dr. Dusan Stefoski, a neurologist and director of the Rush MS Center, said in a prepared statement.
The Rush MS Center is taking part in a Phase III clinical study of Tysabri.
In November 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) (FDA (news - web sites)) approved Tysabri as a treatment for all relapsing forms of MS. The drug is now available for general use in appropriate MS patients.
MS relapses, also known as attacks or exacerbations, consist of sudden, new or worsening old symptoms of MS. Tysabri is the first humanized monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA for the treatment of MS.
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more about MS.
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