Tysabri(Biogen IDEC/Elan) enters Phase III ASCEND trial for Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation, have announced a global Phase IIIb study, ASCEND, that is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Tysabri as a treatment for secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately half of all people initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) - the most common form of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - will transition to SPMS within 19 years. Patients with RRMS typically experience unpredictable relapses; the time between relapses is characterized by full or partial recovery and a lack of disease progression. SPMS is characterized by a steady progression of nerve damage, symptoms and disability, but the exact reasons for the progression are unknown. The potential for greater disease burden in SPMS typically includes decreased mobility, impaired activities of daily living, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. The primary endpoint is to investigate whether treatment with Tysabri slows the accumulation of disability not related to relapses in subjects with SPMS.