Elan has published research showing that treatment with its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Tysabri significantly reduces the need for hospitalisation or steroid treatment, according to new data presented yesterday.

Figures from a two-year Phase III trial of the drug indicate patients taking Tysabri are 65 per cent less likely to require hospitalisation than those not using the therapy and 69 per cent less likely to require steroid treatment, Elan and its US partner Biogen said.

The findings presented at a pharmacy conference in Chicago yesterday show that Tysabri therapy significantly increased the chances of stopping progression of the disease in patients.

They also show a positive impact on a number of quality of life assessments. And, according to the companies, they indicate that Tysabri is a more cost-effective treatment than its rivals, even though its price is higher.

The findings are the second set of favourable survey data to emerge in a week. Elan told a European MS conference in Madrid last Friday that new data showed a sustained effect on relapse rates in patients who had taken the drug for up to three years. This confirmed findings from trials over two years.

The news comes days after Elan and Biogen won approval to distribute Tysabri in Canada. Earlier this week, US analyst Piper Jaffray slashed its estimate of revenues from Tysabri to $21 million (€16.67 million) from a previous expectation of $123 million.

The broker said it was adjusting its estimates following feedback from US doctors indicating slower-than-anticipated adoption rates for the drug because of safety concerns. They also referred to the stringent monitoring requirements imposed after the MS drug was allowed back on the market last July following an earlier suspension due to the diagnosis of a rare brain disease in a couple of patients on drug trials.