Tysabri Recommended for Relapsing MS in UK

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended Biogen Idec/Elan’s Tysabri for the treatment of highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the companies announced.

“Tysabri [natalizumab] is the first treatment for multiple sclerosis to be recommended for use by NICE,” the companies said.

Currently, the use of beta interferons, such as Bayer HealthCare’s Betaseron, Biogen’s Avenox and Teva Pharmaceuticals’ Copaxone (glatiramer acetate), are not considered cost-effective and therefore reimbursement in the UK falls under a financial risk-sharing program between the government and drug manufacturers.

However, NICE considers Tysabri cost effective in patients with highly active RRMS and reimbursement is anticipated to commence in the next three months, Biogen said.