Natalizumab extended-interval dosing in multiple sclerosis to mitigate progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy risk: initial study evidence and real-world experience.

ABSTRACT: The high efficacy of natalizumab in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is without controversy. Indeed, effective disease control was not only demonstrated in the pivotal trials but has been corroborated impressively in real-world observations. This monoclonal IgG4 antibody blocks the α4β1 integrin-mediated leukocyte-endothelial interaction and thereby inhibits the migration of immune cells to the brain parenchyma. However, treatment with natalizumab carries the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This potentially lethal side effect is a significant limitation for treatment initiation and long-term therapy. Natalizumab is given intravenously or subcutaneously in the standard dose of 300 mg every 4 weeks, allowing drug concentrations at levels

SUBMITTER: Perncezky J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9580073 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature