Is Natalizumab available in China?

Natalizumab is available as monotherapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (such as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis [RRMS]) and is one of several disease-modifying therapies used to treat RRMS. Although not curative, these therapies have been shown to alter several indicators of disease activity, including recurrence rates, new or enhancing MRI lesions, and disability progression. Natalizumab may also be used to induce and maintain treatment of Crohn's disease in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNFTNF-α). Clinicians should consider a drug's side effects, tolerability, administration method, safety, efficacy, and cost in addition to patient preference when selecting an appropriate treatment.

Becauseof the risk of PML, when initiating or continuing treatment, consider whether the expected benefits of natalizumab are sufficient to offset this risk. Because a small number of PML cases have occurred in patients receiving natalizumab in combination with interferon beta-1a, the drug is currently limited to use as monotherapy. Do not use it with immunosuppressants (such as mercaptopurine, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate) or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in patients with Crohn's disease because of the potential for increased risk of PML and other infections. Aminosalicylates may be used in patients receiving natalizumab.

Natalizumab's original patent drug is not on the market in China and cannot be included in medical insurance. Therefore, the drug is temporarily unavailable in domestic hospitals and pharmacies. 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.