MS drug Tysabri Reintroduced

The multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, pulled from the market in 2005, is reinstated with FDA approval and expected for a July return.

There's been a lot of controversy surrounding the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, an intravenous medication which caused two patients' deaths in clinical trials. Many people taking the drug absolutely loved it and were dismayed when it was pulled from the market. Others were frightened to learn how it had contributed to the deaths of the two study patients. In actuality, the people who had died were combining Tysabri with another immunosuppressant drug, thereby increasing their risks of developing the deadly PML virus, neurological in nature.

Tysabri was reapproved in the last few days to be reintroduced to the market. Certain guidelines will have to be followed in order for the drug to be safely used, including compliance with a national registry. Patients will not be allowed to combine Tysabri with any other immune-modulating drugs. Only time will tell if this decision is wise.

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