DENVER, Aug. 23, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Coram, Inc., a leading national provider of specialty home infusion and specialty pharmaceutical distribution services, has announced that it has been approved to provide Tysabri(r) (natalizumab), the monotherapy treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Coram treated its first Tysabri patient at its Boise, Idaho branch on August 14, 2006. Currently, Tysabri is offered at select Coram Infusion Suites throughout the country; it is anticipated the treatment will be available through all Coram suites by the end of September, 2006.
"We are pleased to add Tysabri to the extensive list of treatments available at our infusion suites," said John J. Arlotta, Coram's Chairman and CEO. "Coram's 25-year history as a provider of specialty infusion services makes us the perfect choice for the administration of Tysabri, and our nationwide network of infusion suites provides patients with a safe, convenient environment in which to receive these treatments."
Reintroduced June 5, 2006 by Elan and Biogen Idec, Tysabri is indicated for patients with relapsing forms of MS to slow the worsening of disabilities associated with the disease and to decrease the number of exacerbations. Generally, it is prescribed for patients who don't respond to or tolerate other treatments for MS.
Tysabri is administered through a highly restricted distribution program called the TOUCH(tm) Prescribing Program. With over 50 current and planned ambulatory infusion suites throughout the country, Coram will have the capability to perform Tysabri treatments nationwide.
About Coram
Coram is a leading national provider of specialty home infusion and specialty pharmaceutical distribution services. With more than 70 full-service branch pharmacies, the company offers both national presence and comprehensive local coverage. Coram's 25 years of experience, clinical expertise and commitment to positive outcomes has earned it a reputation for excellence among patients, clinicians and payors nationwide. The company is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. For more information about Coram, visit www.coramhc.com or call 1.800.CoramHC.