Elan Corp PLC (ELN)

[io_io]

Tysabri in Crohn's

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/581064_print


"Several biologic agents are currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Crohn's disease: infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and natalizumab. It is difficult to directly compare the results of one trial with those from another because trial designs are dissimilar and each trial employs different inclusion and exclusion criteria. With this caveat in mind, the endpoints used in the various TNF antagonist trials are similar. The remission rates at weeks 26-30 for the 3 anti-TNF agents now available are very similar and range from 23% to 31%. Although natalizumab is reserved for patients who cannot tolerate or who fail to respond to an anti-TNF agent, its remission rate at week 36 is reported as 44%. Therefore, other factors in addition to efficacy must be taken into account when selecting a treatment option, so the decision must be made in consideration of patient factors."