The recalled multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri should return to market after a FDA advisory committee voted unanimously in support of the drug. While the FDA is not bound by the advisory committee’s vote the agency typically follows the recommendation of the committee.
Tysabri is manufactured by Elan Corporation, plc and Biogen Idec. The approval of Tysabri is seen as a tremendous boost to Elan who’s revenue will rely heavily on the sales of the drug. Biogen Idec manufactures another MS drug Avonex. It is unclear whether sales of Tysabri will negatively impact sales of Avonex,which is one of Biogen’s top revenue producers.
Below is a press release that was issued by Elan and Biogen after the FDA advisory committee’s decision.Â
FDA Advisory Committee Unanimously Recommends Reintroduction of TYSABRI(R) for the Treatment of Relapsing Forms of Multiple SclerosisÂ
Wednesday March 8, 3:17 pm ET GAITHERSBURG, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 8, 2006–Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, plc announced today that the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted unanimously to recommend reintroduction of TYSABRI® (natalizumab) as a treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The Committee’s recommendation is advisory to the FDA, and the agency is not bound by this recommendation. The FDA has designated TYSABRI for Priority Review, a status for products that are considered to be significant therapeutic advancements over existing therapies that address an unmet medical need. Biogen Idec and Elan will continue to work closely with the FDA in the weeks ahead with the goal of making TYSABRI available.
Discussions with FDA will include, among other things, finalizing the details of the TYSABRI risk management plan. The companies anticipate action by the FDA by March 29, 2006.Â
About Biogen Idec Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in oncology, neurology and immunology. As a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel therapies, Biogen Idec transforms scientific discoveries into advances in human healthcare. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.Â
About Elan Elan Corporation, plc is a neuroscience-based biotechnology company committed to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families by dedicating itself to bringing innovations in science to fill significant unmet medical needs that continue to exist around the world. Elan shares trade on the New York, London and Dublin Stock Exchanges. For additional information about the company, please visit www.elan.com.Â
Safe Harbor/Forward Looking StatementsÂ
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the potential and regulatory path forward of TYSABRI. The commercial potential and regulatory path forward of TYSABRI are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from the companies’ current expectations include the risk that we may unable to adequately address concerns or questions raised by FDA or European regulatory authorities during the regulatory review process, that concerns may arise from additional data or analysis, or that the companies may encounter other unexpected delays or hurdles. There is also no assurance that the companies will be able to resume marketing and sales of TYSABRI. Drug development and commercialization involves a high degree of risk. For more detailed information on the risks and uncertainties associated with the companies’ drug development and other activities, see the periodic reports that Biogen Idec and Elan have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The companies assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise
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