Reduction of Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis after Anti-Alpha4 Integrin Antibody (Natalizumab)

Abstract

Anti-alpha4 integrin antibody, natalizumab (Antegren), is a monoclonal antibody to a4b1 integrin adhesion molecules expressed on activated monocytes and CD4 cells. A 1-year followup of 28 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, randomized to 3 groups in a double-blind pharmacokinetic study, are presented. One group received placebo, a second group low doses (0.01–0.3 mg/kg) of natalizumab, and a third group high doses (1–3 mg/kg) of natalizumab. The observed reduction of relapses in all natalizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis suggests a potential range of doses to induce stabilization of the disease.