Parker Waichman LLP

Tysabri-PML Link Will Weigh on Biogen Stock, Report Says

Tysabri troubles could continue to cause a drag on Biogen Idec stock, according to a Wall Street Journal report. A recently released research note from Barclays Capital indicated use of Tysabri is being tempered by worries over how many patients may develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or PML, a sometimes fatal brain infection, the Journal said. […]

<"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/tysabri">Tysabri troubles could continue to cause a drag on Biogen Idec stock, according to a Wall Street Journal report. A recently released research note from Barclays Capital indicated use of Tysabri is being tempered by worries over how many patients may develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or PML, a sometimes fatal brain infection, the Journal said.

In the U.S. Tysabri was taken off the market in 2005 after three patients in clinical trials developed PML. But the drug was reapproved in 2006, although it was subject to restrictions. Tysabri is now available only to patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) or Crohn’s disease (CD) who are enrolled in the risk minimization plan called the TOUCH Prescribing Program. Under the TOUCH Prescribing Program, every Tysabri-treated patient is closely monitored and followed for the occurrence of PML and other serious opportunistic infections.

PML attacks the brain and central nervous system and is usually fatal. It is caused by a polyomavirus, called the JC virus. The JC virus is often acquired during childhood. Most adults have been infected with the JC virus but do not develop PML. The virus appears to remain inactive until something (such as a weakened immune system) allows it to be reactivated and start to multiply. Symptoms include vision problems, loss of coordination, and memory loss. Patients who survive the disease are often permanently disabled.

We reported last week the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) had updated Tysabri safety information to include information about cases of PML. In the update, the FDA said that that the overall rate of Tysabri patients developing PML remains below the one-in-1,000 rate implied on the label. However, the agency warned that this risk “appears to increase with the number of Tysabri infusions received” and that the average number of infusions received before the diagnosis of PML was 25. The rate of PML in patients who have received at least 24 Tysabri infusions ranges from 0.4 to 1.3 per 1,000 patients, the FDA said. The safety information update did not include any labeling changes.

The research note detailed by The Wall Street Journal was issued after a Barclay’s analyst had conducted a conference call with Mark Tullman, a neurologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. “Dr. Tullman indicated that concerns persist regarding the true rate of PML and whether the current PML rate will continue to increase with longer term exposure,” the research note said.

According to the Journal, Barclays maintained its rating of “2-equal weight” on the stock. Yesterday, Biogen shares were down 43 cents, or 1 %, to $50.46 in Nasdaq stock market trading, the Journal said.

Since its reintroduction in 2006, there have been 13 reported case of Tysabri-related PML, according to the FDA. People with a weakened immune system or people taking drugs that suppress their immune system (immunosuppressants) are most likely to get PML. Over the summer, we reported that the FDA was looking into a link between the lymphoma drug, Rituxan, and the disease. In April, the psoriasis drug Raptiva was voluntary withdrawn from the market after three patients died from PML.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
They were really professional answered all my questions walk me through the end of my case i will surely recomend to my family and friends
Malini Prasad
6 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
" Great Job!"A very professional Law Firm . The Service was great keeping me well informed step by step during the process .Parker watchman handled my case wonderfully. I was very happy and satisfied with my settlement. I recommend them to any one.
Marwa Amin
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Good for the body of lawyers and all the staff, very good team, also congratulate Jorge Peniche for his excellent work, and his way of treating people, very good person.
Carlos Olmedo
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038