[Antegren (natalizumab). A promising new approach to therapy of multiple sclerosis]

Nervenarzt. 2002 Jun;73(6):552-5. doi: 10.1007/s00115-002-1314-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Antegren (Natalizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against alpha 4-integrin. This antibody binds to the alpha 4 subunit of alpha 4 beta 1-integrin (VLA-4) and alpha 4 beta 7-integrin on leukocytes and blocks the interaction of these integrins with their ligands (VCAM and MadCAM). Disruption of these cell adhesion molecule interactions inhibits the migration of leukocytes through the blood-brain barrier and the trafficking of leukocytes through the extracellular matrix. In clinical studies, short-term treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with antegren resulted in a clear reduction of the number of new active brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Antegren was safe and well tolerated. Two large phase III studies will help to determine the long-term effect of antegren on MRI and clinical outcome in relapsing-remitting MS patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Integrins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Natalizumab
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Integrin alpha4beta1
  • Integrins
  • Natalizumab
  • integrin alpha4beta7