IgM antibody identifies good candidates for natalizumab

[MSUK]

Researchers in Spain have identified lipid-specific antibody bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that are associated with an aggressive presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS), and patients with these antibodies seem to have a much lower risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with natalizumab therapy (Tysabri, Biogen Idec).

"The presence of lipid-specific IgM bands in the CSF signals patients with aggressive disease and highly activated immune systems," said Luisa Villar, PhD, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain. "We seem to be able to lower the immune system in patients in whom it is highly activated without inducing immunosuppression. So natalizumab is safe to use in this population, and these are the very patients who need this strong drug..... Read More - http://www.ms-uk.org/tysabri