Effects of Natalizumab

Natalizumab is effective in reducing the number of relapses and worsening disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Pooled data from studies indicate that natalizumab is effective in inducing clinical responses and remission in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD).

In a study comparing natalizumab to placebo (a dummy treatment), patients who received natalizumab had about a 68% decrease in the number of MS attacks after one year compared to those who received a placebo. Additionally, natalizumab reduced the risk of worsening disability over 2 years by 42% compared with placebo.

A second study showed that adding natalizumab to treatment with another drug, interferon beta-1a, was more effective than adding placebo, reducing the risk of worsening disability and the number of relapses. While studies have shown that natalizumab is effective, it has also raised concerns that combined use with interferon beta-1a may increase the risk of serious brain infections in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

A third study, still ongoing, showed that in patients treated with natalizumab, the average number of MS attacks fell from about 2 to 0.2 per year (regardless of which disease-modifying treatments they had previously used). This reaction lasted for five years.

In particular, natalizumab may be beneficial in patients with active inflammation or chronic active disease despite the use of conventional therapy with highC-reactive protein values at baseline. However, many questions regarding the use of natalizumab in CD remain unresolved (e.g. high placebo response, final definition of dose and schedule, definition of outcomes and development of adverse events).

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.