Drugmaker Genentech is pulling the prescription psoriasis medication Raptiva (efalizumab) from the U.S. market, in what is being called a “voluntary, phased withdrawal of the product” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Today’s action is being taken because of a risk that Raptiva patients may develop a serious, often fatal neurological disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system.
According to the FDA, health care professionals are being asked not to start any new Raptiva treatments for patients, and for psoriasis patients already using Raptiva, alternative treatments should be explored and prescribed as soon as possible.
- FDA Statement of the Voluntary Withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. Market
- Raptiva: Patient Information (FDA.gov)
- Reuters: Genentech Withdraws Raptiva from U.S. Market
- WSJ: Genentech Withdraws Psoriasis Drug Raptiva from U.S. Market
- Pharmaceutical Drug Liability (FindLaw)
- Defective and Dangerous Products (FindLaw)
- Personal Injuries from Dangerous or Defective Products (provided by Hart Law Firm)
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