Neurology - Changing from branded biologic to 'biosimilar' medicines - Natalizumab

Introduction

You are currently prescribed a branded biologic medicine called Tysabri (natalizumab).

The hospital will now be prescribing you a “biosimilar” biologic medicine called Tyruko (natalizumab). This leaflet will explain more about biologic and biosimilar medicines and how they work. Please feel free to speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any further questions.

What are biologic medicines?

Biologic medicines are complex medicines that are made by living cells in a controlled way, rather than being built as synthetic (artificial) chemicals like regular medicines.

What are biosimilar medicines?

You may be familiar with generic medications, for example, supermarket ibuprofen, and branded medicines, such as Nurofen®. Generic medicines are identical to branded medicines because they are easy to copy and produce. The same idea applies to biosimilar medicines. However, due to their large size and the complex production process it is not possible to make an exact copy of the original biologic medicine. Biosimilar medicines are highly similar to the original, but not identical.

How effective are biosimilar medicines?

The companies that make biosimilars must show the licensing authority very strict evidence of their effectiveness, safety and quality. Biosimilar medicines have been thoroughly tested to make sure they work in the same way as the original biologic medicine you were taking and are just as effective. Clinical studies involving a large group of people have been carried out to prove that the biosimilar medicine has a similar efficacy profile to Tysabri.

What are the benefits of biosimilar medicines?

Using biosimilars benefits the NHS as they are usually provided at a much lower price than the original biologic. This helps the NHS provide more complex medicines at better prices and use these cost savings to improve treatment for more people with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.

Switching to Tyruko

Tyruko is administered the same way over the same amount of time as you have previously been receiving Tysabri. You will be closely monitored by the infusion nurses on the Brooke Treatment Unit (BTU) during your treatment.

Contact details

The information in this leaflet is not intended to replace your doctor’s or MS nurse’s advice.

The BTU nursing and medical teams will be happy to answer any of your questions when you attend for your next infusion.

If you need more information or have any questions, please contact:

MS nurses: 0161 206 1888 (leave a message and a member of the team will return your call).

Brooke Treatment Unit (BTU): 0161 206 4884 or 0161 206 6745.