Tysabri and Secondary Progressive MS

1/21/2014

Question: We know that Tysabri is very effective in reducing relapse frequency and appearing of new lesions, but how effective is it in preventing progression? Or conversion from RRMS to SPMS?

Answer: Several small studies suggest a benefit of Tysabri for secondary progressive MS. A large definitive clinical trial called ASCEND, funded by Biogen Idec, is underway with expected completion by the end of 2014.

2 Comments

Mary

1/21/2014 12:18:58 pm

What i meant is (for the first part of the question), does Tysabri slow progression in RRMS patients, along with reducing new lesions and relapses? What do clinical trials say on that one?

Dr Kinkel

1/22/2014 03:30:50 am

Tysabri has remarkable benefits in Relapsing forms of MS. These include the following effects over 2 years compared to placebo treated patients:
1. 67 % reduction in relapses
2. 42 % reduction in disability progression
3. 60 % reduction in MS related hospitalizations and a 43 % reduction in total hospitalizations
4. 80 % reduction in new or enlarging MRI lesions (T2 type)

In addition, other studies have demonstrated improvement in fatigue, walking, hand function, memory, employability and quality of life on Tysabri treatment. It is a remarkably good drug

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