Atlanta
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:34 am
Of interest to MS patients in Atlanta
Ian
TYSABRI NOW BEING ADMINISTERED AT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CENTER OF ATLANTA
The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta (MSCA) has announced it is now administering TYSABRI® (natalizumab), the drug recently re-released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). TYSABRI, manufactured by Biogen Idec and Elan Corp., treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the frequency of clinical relapses. TYSABRI is the first humanized monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of MS.
TYSABRI was withdrawn from the market in February 2005 when three patients out of nearly 3,000 were found to have Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious and potentially fatal virus which affects the brain. After an extensive safety study in which no further cases of PML were found, the FDA approved the re-release of the medication in July 2006. To minimise risks to patients, all patients who receive TYSABRI are required by the FDA to participate in a risk management program called TouchTM. The MSCA is registered with the Touch program and its physicians and staff are well prepared to discuss and follow the program’s guidelines.
In its early stages of development, the MSCA was the only site in Georgia to be involved in the pivotal international clinical trials for TYSABRI, and the center has more than three years of experience in managing patients on TYSABRI therapy. Research suggests the drug works by preventing immune cells from migrating from the bloodstream into the brain where they can cause inflammation and potentially damage nerve fibres and their insulation. Studies found that TYSABRI reduced the formation of new, enhancing lesions of MS by 92 percent and reduced the number of MS attacks by 68 percent.
The MSCA provides this additional treatment option to patients with relapsing forms of MS. The drug is administered intravenously once every four weeks and studies show that the medication initially begins working after the first dose, and is even more effective after the second dose. For more information call 404-351-0205, extension 131.
More About MSCA
Based in Atlanta, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides comprehensive healthcare services for people living with multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2001 by William H. Stuart M.D., the MSCA provides patients and their families with access to the latest in research, education and treatment options. In addition to medical care, the center offers patients and families peer-support, self-help groups, a peer telephone support and mentor program, a volunteer visitor network and patient support services. The center is committed to providing care to disadvantaged patients, conducting clinical and behavioral research, and expanding quality of life care capabilities. For more information, call 404-351-0205 or visit www.mscatl.org
Source: Atlanta dBusinessNews.com Copyright @ 2005, dBusinessNews.
Ian
TYSABRI NOW BEING ADMINISTERED AT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CENTER OF ATLANTA
The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta (MSCA) has announced it is now administering TYSABRI® (natalizumab), the drug recently re-released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). TYSABRI, manufactured by Biogen Idec and Elan Corp., treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the frequency of clinical relapses. TYSABRI is the first humanized monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of MS.
TYSABRI was withdrawn from the market in February 2005 when three patients out of nearly 3,000 were found to have Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious and potentially fatal virus which affects the brain. After an extensive safety study in which no further cases of PML were found, the FDA approved the re-release of the medication in July 2006. To minimise risks to patients, all patients who receive TYSABRI are required by the FDA to participate in a risk management program called TouchTM. The MSCA is registered with the Touch program and its physicians and staff are well prepared to discuss and follow the program’s guidelines.
In its early stages of development, the MSCA was the only site in Georgia to be involved in the pivotal international clinical trials for TYSABRI, and the center has more than three years of experience in managing patients on TYSABRI therapy. Research suggests the drug works by preventing immune cells from migrating from the bloodstream into the brain where they can cause inflammation and potentially damage nerve fibres and their insulation. Studies found that TYSABRI reduced the formation of new, enhancing lesions of MS by 92 percent and reduced the number of MS attacks by 68 percent.
The MSCA provides this additional treatment option to patients with relapsing forms of MS. The drug is administered intravenously once every four weeks and studies show that the medication initially begins working after the first dose, and is even more effective after the second dose. For more information call 404-351-0205, extension 131.
More About MSCA
Based in Atlanta, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides comprehensive healthcare services for people living with multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2001 by William H. Stuart M.D., the MSCA provides patients and their families with access to the latest in research, education and treatment options. In addition to medical care, the center offers patients and families peer-support, self-help groups, a peer telephone support and mentor program, a volunteer visitor network and patient support services. The center is committed to providing care to disadvantaged patients, conducting clinical and behavioral research, and expanding quality of life care capabilities. For more information, call 404-351-0205 or visit www.mscatl.org
Source: Atlanta dBusinessNews.com Copyright @ 2005, dBusinessNews.