Efficacy and tolerability of natalizumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: a post-marketing observational study

Neurol Sci. 2011 Jan:31 Suppl 3:299-302. doi: 10.1007/s10072-010-0344-z.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of natalizumab in patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). We included 285 MS patients receiving natalizumab. Clinical, neuroradiological and safety data were registered every 6 months. Neutralizing antibodies (NABs) were tested after 6 months of treatment. After 1 year, the annualized relapse rate decreased to 0.26, with a significant reduction compared to the previous year (2.13). At 24 months the proportion of "relapse free" patients was 78% while that of "MRI free" patients was 69%. Considering clinical and MRI cumulative activity, "disease free" patients were 63% at 24 months. A total of 18 patients showed NABs positivity. We reported 34 cases of treatment interruptions. In conclusion, our data confirm the remarkable efficacy of natalizumab in a group of patients with higher disease activity than that of pivotal studies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / physiopathology
  • Natalizumab
  • Product Surveillance, Postmarketing / trends*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Natalizumab