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natalizumab (NTZ)
Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the α4β1 integrin on immune cells, preventing their migration across the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system.
Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the α4β1 integrin on immune cells, preventing their migration across the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system. Used for Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease (moderate to severe).
At a glance
| Generic name | natalizumab (NTZ) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand |
| Drug class | Monoclonal antibody (integrin antagonist) |
| Target | α4β1 integrin (VLA-4) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By binding to α4β1 integrin, natalizumab inhibits the adhesion and transmigration of lymphocytes across the blood-brain barrier and into inflamed tissues. This reduces the infiltration of autoreactive immune cells into the brain and spinal cord, thereby decreasing inflammation and demyelination in multiple sclerosis. The mechanism also applies to gut-homing lymphocytes, which is relevant to its use in Crohn's disease.
Approved indications
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- Crohn's disease (moderate to severe)
Common side effects
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Arthralgia
- Infusion reactions
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Key clinical trials
- A Study of End of Dose Phenomena in Subcutaneous Natalizumab Treated Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Participants
- Safety of Exposure to Natalizumab During Pregnancy
- Methylprednisolone During the Switch Between Natalizumab and Fingolimod (PHASE4)
- Does Long-Term Natalizumab (NTZ) Therapy Normalize Brain Atrophy Rates and Quality of Life (QOL) in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)?
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- natalizumab (NTZ) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- natalizumab (NTZ) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand portfolio CI