An assay to quantify species-specific anti-JC virus antibody levels in MS patients

Summary: This study looked at developing an assay for the reliable quantification of highly species-specific anti-JCV antibody levels and to compare the results with pre-existing data from the StratifyJCV® test.

The researchers tested the sera of 175 MS patients and matched non-MS-controls for anti-JCV antibodies using glutathione S-transferase-tagged-VP1 as antigen. In order to minimise the cross-reactivity between shared epitopes of JCV-VP1 and BKV-VP1, ...

Tysabri may be an option for children with Multiple Sclerosis

Off-label treatment with natalizumab (Tysabri) for 20 children with severe multiple sclerosis reduced relapses and brain lesions seen on MRI scans, a retrospective analysis found.

The mean annualized relapse rate while on natalizumab in these patients was 0.4, compared with 3.77 before starting the drug (P<0.001), according to Barbara Kornek, MD, of Austria's Medical University of Vienna, and colleagues.

Also, new T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery ...

Natalizumab in paediatric multiple sclerosis: results of a cohort of 55 cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available on the use of natalizumab (NA) in pediatric multiple sclerosis (ped-MS) patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term effects of NA in a large cohort of active ped-MS patients.

METHODS: Patients with definite ped-MS were treated with NA if in the previous year they had experienced at least two relapses or a ...

MS-UK Tysabri Diary Update

Kirsty has kindly sent in her 25th Tysabri Infusion Diary update.

You can read it at http://www.ms-uk.org/index.cfm/kirsty

Biogen Idec Inc. agreed to acquire partner Elan Corp.’s stake in the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri for $3.25 billion in cash plus future royalties.

The deal gives Biogen all rights to the product, and the company will pay royalties to Elan, Dublin-based Elan said in a statement today. The companies had been splitting profit equally on the medicine, which generated $1.6 billion in sales in 2012.

The deal ends speculation that Biogen would buy Elan ...

http://www.ccjm.org/content/78/Suppl_2/S33.full

A bit of info regarding PML and how it relates to MS patients on Tysabri. It may all be well know, but5 it answered a few of my own questions so I thought I would share.

Applications for first-line use of Tysabri in anti-JCV antibody negative patients with MS announced



Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, plc have announced that they have submitted applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) requesting updates to the Tysabri® (natalizumab) labels. The applications request an expanded indication that would include first-line use for people living with certain relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) who have tested negative for ...

Like the last week to week and a half it's like I'm not on any medication and I relapse really hard. As far as I know there is only one type of dose, what are some solutions your doctor has for you? My next infusion is coming up and I'll ask my doctor then.

Hello,

Does anyone know the difference between the JCVirus and the Tysabri Antibody Titre?