Tysabri®
natalizumab
Quick Facts
Tysabri® is a synthetic monoclonal antibody that prevents harmful cells from entering the central nervous system.
In-clinic intravenous infusion
Every four weeks
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS
Potential Benefit:
Over 2 years Tysabri® compared to placebo:
- Decreased the number of relapses by 67%
- On MRI, reduced lesions by 92% new active inflammation
- Reduced disability progression by 42% over 3 months
- Reduced disability progression by 54% over 6 months
Common Potential Side Effects
Headache and fatigue, infections like upper respiratory tract infection or urinary tract infection (UTI), infusion reactions
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
NATALIZUMAB BIOSIMILAR
Tyruko® (natalizumab-sztn)
Tyruko® (natalizumab-sztn), a biosimilar to natalizumab (Tysabri®), was approved by the FDA in August 2023. A biosimilar is highly similar to, and has no clinically meaningful differences from, a biological product already approved by the FDA. Approved to treat relapsing forms of MS, Tyruko is given at the same dosage and via the same administration as Tysabri, while also carrying the same benefits and risks.
Hear from the Expert
Heidi Crayton, MD
“I think it’s important that patients understand the mechanism of action.”
DRUGMAKER
Biogen
HOW Tysabri® WORKS
Tysabri is believed to prevent harmful inflammatory immune cells from crossing into the central nervous system (CNS). This may reduce damage and inflammation that relapsing MS causes in the central nervous system.
FDA-Approved
Tysabri was FDA-approved in 2004 but left the market and was reintroduced in 2006 as monotherapy to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS.
Potential Side Effects
Headache, fatigue, depression, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, and infection. Risk of infection, including pneumonia, was the most common serious adverse event during the studies (occurring in a small percentage of people). A less common serious side effect is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability over a period of weeks or months.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
- Frequency of visits determined by your healthcare provider
- Required enrollment in the TOUCH prescribing program, and recertification every 6 months
Regular testing completed after starting Tysabri® include:
- Baseline brain MRI and follow-up
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Liver enzymes
- John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibodies
- Routine follow-up
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
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Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
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