FDA decision on Tysabri expected in March

The future of Elan's Tysabri drug may be decided by the end of March after the US drug regulator confirmed a date for its review…

The future of Elan's Tysabri drug may be decided by the end of March after the US drug regulator confirmed a date for its review of the drug's efficacy for the treatment of MS.

Elan said today the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will review Tysabri in early March, with the final results due by the end of that month.

Last September the FDA fast-tracked Tysabri for review as it is considered to be a potentially significant advancement over existing therapies that address an unmet medical need.

A joint statement from Elan and Biogen said the companies anticipate action by the FDA by late March 2006 - which would be six months after its initial submission.