Natalizumab drug improves quality of life of MS patients

Washington, Sept 13 (ANI): A new study has found that multiple sclerosis patients taking Tysabri (Natalizumab) experienced a significant improvement in both their physical function and psychological well-being.

"The symptoms that an MS patient deals with on a daily basis result in significant psychological and physical effects that can adversely impact their quality of life," said Dr William Stuart, medical director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta.

"In a previous pivotal trial, TYSABRI not only showed a reduction in relapse rates and disability progression, but also improved quality of life.

"Results from this observational study further demonstrate the impact of TYSABRI on improving MS patients' well-being as reported by patients who live with this disease every day," he added.

The study assessed the health outcomes from patients' perspectives before starting TYSABRI and after the third, sixth and 12th infusions of TYSABRI.

After six TYSABRI infusions, patients reported statistically significant improvement in disease-specific quality of life (QoL), which measures the physical impact of MS in terms of mobility and self care, as well as the psychological impact of MS in terms of anxiety/depression.

The participants also scored higher in general health-related quality of life.

The findings were presented at the 25th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS). (ANI)