What is it used for?
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) – a type of multiple sclerosis where there is a flare-up of symptoms (relapse) followed by a period of recovery (remission).
Tys
What is it used for?
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) – a type of multiple sclerosis where there is a flare-up of symptoms (relapse) followed by a period of recovery (remission).
Tysabri is licensed for use in people with severe and rapidly evolving RRMS that is characterised by at least two or more relapses in a year and diagnosed by looking for specific signs of nerve damage called lesions that can be seen on a brain MRI scan.
Tysabri is also licensed for use in people with very active disease that has not responded to treatment with beta-interferon or glatiramer acetate.
How does it work?
Tysabri infusion contains the active ingredient natalizumab, which is a type of medicine called a human monoclonal antibody. It works by suppressing part of the immune system and modifying the process of inflammation.
Tysabri is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). In some people, this disease follows a course of relapse and remission, where symptoms worsen for a while, then improve before worsening again. It is these people who can benefit from treatment with Tysabri.
Natalizumab works in a similar way to the natural antibodies produced by our immune system. Our natural antibodies recognise foreign invaders and bind to them, helping our immune systems to attack them and protect us from infections. Monoclonal antibodies like natalizumab are made in laboratories and are designed to recognise particular proteins in a similar way.
Natalizumab recognises and binds to a specific receptor, known as an integrin, that is found on the surface of white blood cells called leucocytes. The leucocytes are involved in producing inflammation and it is believed that brain lesions in multiple sclerosis occur when certain leucocytes move ou