What is Natalizumab or Tasabri?
Tasabri is a new type of drug formulated initially for treating multiple sclerosis. It is now being used for Crohn’s Disease. In early clinical trials there were 3 deaths out of three thousand people so, the trial was stopped. Later, it was found that these three had been on immunosuppressant medication prior to the trial. The trial was later restarted disallowing the use of immunosuppressant drugs. Tasabri has now been approved for use in treating Crohn’s. For more information go to: www.tasabri.com Treatments in the near future: 1. Ricky is taking Abetacept, an experimental drug that is not yet available to the general public. It is made from a creactive protein. It is in clinical trials and is being used for Rheumatoid Arthritis. 2. Prochymal is the new class of stem cell treatments. Look for approval in March 2009. This medicine has received fast trak status and is getting good results. 3. The Interlukin drugs are showing promise in treating IBD.
