New hope for MS sufferers as withdrawn drug returns to US market

A MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS drug pulled from the US market last year is to return and has also been given preliminary approval for use in Europe, a move that will be welcomed by the 6,000 Irish people affected by the condition.

Tysabri, withdrawn because of a rare but life-threatening side effect, will return under a restricted distribution programme.

America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it would let Biogen and Irish-based Elan Corporation resume selling Tysabri under a requirement that doctors, pharmacies and patients register with a programme designed to ensure the safe use of the drug.