Controversial MS drug widely used

A DRUG linked with a potentially life-threatening brain illness and used to treat multiple sclerosis is still widely used in Ireland, according to figures released by the VHI.

Tysabri, which was temporarily withdrawn from the US market in 2005, features in the VHI list of the top 10 most expensive drugs. Benefits paid on the 375 claims made by patients using Tysabri totalled e796,505 last year.

The controversial drug, linked with the development of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy and the deaths of two patients in the US, is closely monitored by the Irish Medicines Board and the European Medicines Agency. The board said Tysabri has a risk management plan agreed with regulatory authorities across the EU and “when used according to its approved conditions of use, its benefits are considered to outweigh its risks”.