Raptiva Lawsuits

The psoriasis drug Raptiva’s side effects could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening infections, including the rare brain disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).

RAPTIVA PML LAWSUIT STATUS: The potential for litigation is being examined and reviewed by Raptiva lawyers in cases where individuals were diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or other opportunistic infections with serious consequences.

>>HAVE A POTENTIAL LAWSUIT REVIEWED BY A RAPTIVA LAWYER<<

MANUFACTURER: Genetech, Inc.

OVERVIEW: Raptiva (efalizumab) is a subcutaneous injection administered once a week to treat psoriasis. The drug is a therapeutic antibody designed to block the activation of special immune cells called T-cells. Overactivity of T-cells leads to excess skin cells being produced, which build up in the form of plaques, causing the skin disease psoriasis

The FDA approved Raptiva in October 2003, and it is manufactured and marketed by Genetech, Inc. Worldwide sales were approximately $120 million last year.

As a result of post-marketing reports of Raptiva side effects, the FDA announced in October 2008 that a new black box warning will be added to highlight the risk of serious infections which could result from the drug. Some of the reported Raptiva infections include:

• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
• Bacterial Sepsis
• Viral Meningitis
• Invasive Fungal Disease
• Other Opportunistic Infections

RAPTIVA PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY: Side effects of Raptiva have been associated with the development of the rare and viral disease known as PML or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The infection, which attacks the central nervous system and the brain, has no known cure and often has fatal consequences.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy symptoms could include confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty talking, difficulty walking, impaired speech and vision problems.

Other medication side effects have also been linked to the development of PML, including the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, and organ transplant drugs CellCept and Myfortic.