According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, about 2,000 patients in the U.S. are taking this drug. If you're one of them, pay attention!
First, kudos to Genetech for doing the right thing!
After three cases of a potentially fatal brain disorder were linked to long term use of the drug Raptiva, and two patients died, the company updated its U.S. FDA approved label to reflect the danger. But then, the company determined that the risk of this disorder outweighs the potential benefits of the drug - and decided to pull it from the market.
Considering that the FDA did not require the drug to be removed, and that 2008 sales of Raptiva came in at $108 million, the company is to be commended.
They warned that stopping treatment abruptly could worsen the psoriasis, so users should see their doctors to find alternative treatments. Current users will be able to get the drug, which is administered as a once-weekly injection, until June 8.
The brain disorder, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is the same disorder linked to the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, which is sold by Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp.
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