Multiple Sclerosis Drug Tysabri Linked to Lethal Brain Inflammation
Posted by: Salvatore J. Zambri, Esquire
The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "says it confirmed three new cases of a potentially lethal brain inflammation linked to the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri [natalizumab]." According to the FDA, the reports "are the first confirmed new cases since June." The condition is known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. The report states that the FDA has confirmed that since mid-2006 there have been 13 reported cases of PML. The AP adds that "the FDA says the risk appears to increase as patients remain on Tysabri" and all "the PML cases are linked to its use in multiple sclerosis," although the drug is also marketed to treat Chron's disease as well.
According to the AP report, Tysabri "was approved in November 2004 and pulled from the market the next year due to PML reports. It was reintroduced in July 2006, and Biogen said it is used by 43,000 patients."
Like all drugs, Tysabri, which is marketed by Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp. PLC, should never be taken without a doctor's prescription, and a physician should never prescribe this medication unless it is in the best interest of the patient and only after the patient has been fully informed of all of the risks and benefits of the drug.
About the author:
Mr. Zambri is Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC and has been rated by Washingtonian magazine as a "Big Gun" and among the "top 1%" of all lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also describes him as "one of Washington's best--most honest and effective lawyers" who specializes in personal injury matters, including medical malpractice actions stemming from defective or dangerous medications. He has also been named a "DC Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (March/April 2009)--a national publication that honors the top lawyers in America. If you need a patient advocate, we recommend that you read an article about medical malpractice claims authored by senior partner Salvatore Zambri.
If you want more information about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at szambri@reganfirm.com or call him at 202-822-1899.