Elan reports strong test results from MS drug

Pharmaceutical firms Elan and Biogen have reported progress in the development of their multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri.

Pharmaceutical firms Elan and Biogen have reported progress in the development of their multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri.

The phase 3 Tysabri Affirm monotherapy trial achieved the two-year primary end-point of slowing the progression of disability in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, the companies said in a research update released today.

The trial data showed that Tysabri led to a 42 per cent reduction in the risk of disability progression compared to the placebo.

The data also showed a 67 per cent  reduction in the rate of clinical relapse over two years. The incidence of side effects at two years was similar to previous reported results.