Which company does Natalizumab come from?

Natalizumab, jointly developed by Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Elan Pharmaceuticals, Dublin, Ireland, is the first monoclonal antibody approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of multiple sclerosisMS. Based on the AFFIRM and SENTINEL phase clinical trials, natalizumab was approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS in 2004, and its indications were subsequently expanded to include Crohn's disease. Natalizumab was withdrawn from the market in 2005 after cases of PML emerged, but the FDA reintroduced the drug in 2008 through a mandatory surveillance program.

Natalizumab is a humanized monoclonalIgG4κ antibody that selectively binds to the α4-integrin component of adhesion molecules on lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. Natalizumab inhibits inflammation by blocking the adhesion of the α4-integrin component of the adhesion molecule on leukocytes to endothelial cells, thereby preventing the migration of autoreactive leukocytes from blood vessels to target organs. Since VCAM-1 is expressed on inflamed brain vascular endothelial cells, α4β1 is considered a key target for natalizumab to prevent leukocyte migration into the central nervous system in patients with multiple sclerosis. In contrast, both VCAM-1 and MAdCAM-1 are upregulated on intestinal endothelial cells in patients with Crohn's disease. The efficacy of natalizumab in Crohn's disease is likely due to blocking the leukocyte adhesion factors α4β1 and α4β7.

Natalizumab's original patent drug is not marketed in the country and cannot be included in medical insurance. Currently, the generic drug natalizumab on the market overseas may cost more than 8,000 US dollars per box (the price may fluctuate due to exchange rates), which is very expensive. For more drug information and specific prices, please consult Yaode Medical Consultant.