Natalizumab
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a vegetarian or vegan. Does natalizumab contain animal products?Yes. Natalizumab is a protein similar to our own antibodies (antibodies are used as part of our immune system to destroy foreign objects such as bacteria or virus). It is manufactured by recombinant DNA technology from humanised anti-alpha4 integrin antibody produced in a murine (mouse) cell line. |
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If natalizumab is so effective, why isn't everyone with MS offered it?Natalizumab is a drug which carries medical risk and financial cost. Natalizumab is associated with potentially life threatening opportunistic infections. Even though the risk is small, it is therefore offered only to patients who are likely to benefit the most: those with the most active disease. In addition, the cost of natalizumab is so high that it only meets the NICE threshold for NHS funding for patients with highly active disease, shown by 2 or more relapses in one year and disease activity shown on an MRI scan.. |
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If I'm on natalizumab and I have a relapse of my MS, will I still be able to have steroids?Yes. Short term courses of oral or intravenous (IV) steroids used to treat relapses can be used in combination with natalizumab. |
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What are 'persistent antibodies'?In a few patients who use natalizumab, over time the body's natural defence may stop it from working properly (the body develops antibodies to natalizumab). If persistent antibodies develop, this will usually be in the first 6 months of treatment. This can be tested using a blood test. If this shows that natalizumab is not working properly for you, you may have to stop using it. |
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