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natalizumab   Click here for help

GtoPdb Ligand ID: 6591

Synonyms: AN100226 | anti-alpha4 integrin | anti-VLA4 | Tysabri®
Approved drug Immunopharmacology Ligand
natalizumab is an approved drug (FDA (2004), EMA (2006))
Compound class: Antibody
Comment: Natalizumab was the first migration-inhibitory biological drug to be approved for inflammatory diseases. It targets α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) on leukocytes to block interaction with vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) on inflamed endothelium, thus inhibiting leukocyte extravasation into sites of inflammation. It is active in peripheral tissues and the central vervous system.
Targeting cell migration-related molecules in immune conditions (and cancer) is regarded as a valid approach for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics [3]. The design and synthesis of this antibody was originally described in a 1997 publication [2].

Biosimilars:
The first natalizumab biosimilar was approved by the FDA in August 2023 and by the EMA a month later. Like the originator/reference agent, Tyruko® (natalizumab-sztn; Sandoz Inc.) is indicated for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and moderate-severe active Crohn's disease (when conventional therapies, including TNF-α inhibitors, are inadequate or not tolerated).
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View more information in the IUPHAR Pharmacology Education Project: natalizumab

Immunopharmacology Comments
Natalizumab targets α4-containing intergrins, including the α4β1 lymphocyte homing receptor.
Immunopharmacology Disease
Disease X-Refs Comment References
Crohn's disease Disease Ontology: DOID:8778
OMIM: 266600
Orphanet: ORPHA206
 Approved drug for CD.
Multiple sclerosis Disease Ontology: DOID:2377
OMIM: 126200
Orphanet: ORPHA802
 Approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.