From a Genentech news release:
Genentech, Inc. (NYSE:DNA) announced today that the company has issued a Dear Healthcare Provider letter to inform dermatologists and neurologists of a 2nd case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) which resulted in the death of a 73-year old woman who had received Raptiva (efalizumab) for approximately four years for treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Based on the medical information available for the two cases of PML, which occurred in one 70-year old patient and one 73-year old patient who received Raptiva for approximately four years, Genentech believes that Raptiva likely increases the risk of PML and that prolonged exposure to Raptiva and older age may further increase this risk. The company is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine the appropriate next steps.
According to Merck Serono, the company that markets Raptiva outside the U.S., more than 46,000 patients have been treated with Raptiva worldwide.
At Psoriasis Cure Now, we often wonder when we write and speak about the wonderful ways the biologics have helped so many people dramatically improve their health, whether we are also making it clear that these treatments carry risks. In fact, all treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis have significant potential risks, which is why we support expanding treatment options, educating patients to weigh costs and benefits, and fighting to increase funding for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research.
Category: Biologics, Immune system
Tags: efalizumab, FDA, PML, Raptiva
