This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I am wondering if this is available in Canada as of yet? I know that it was approved in the states...

For the moment it's not available in Canada

"Tysabri, the new innovative treatment for multiple sclerosis, stops the migration of white blood cells to the central nervous system, preventing any damage to the brain. The approval for the new treatment was based on the results of a study of 942 patients in the early phase of multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the brain and the spinal cord. The one-year study revealed that the frequency of relapses in patients treated with Tysabari had declined by two third as compared to patients given a placebo. Health Canada has also decided to review the drug on a priority basis and take a decision regarding its approval next year. The drug is expected to receive an impressive market response."

http://www.newratings.com/new2/beta/article_514405.html
.

I spoke to my wife's neurologist a few weeks ago and he was one of the docs involved in the trials at the MS Clinic here in London, ON. I asked him about Tysabri and Canadian approval and he predicted that it wouldn't be until the fall before Health Canada would give any approval.

He stated that the data presented by Biogen so far was simply not enough to convince Health Canada for approval and that they would be waiting until data from the several Phase III trials that were completed at the end of last year. He also mentioned that Biogen's reputation for complete information to the medical community was not the greatest!

Harry