Thursday February 19, 06:27 PM
UPDATE 1-Suspension of Genetech's Raptiva urged in Europe
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Sales of Genentech Inc (NYSE: DNA - news) 's psoriasis drug Raptiva should be suspended in light of serious brain infections confirmed in three patients, European authorities recommended on Thursday.
U.S. regulators said they were reviewing the cases of a brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), as well as another possible case.
Two of the patients with confirmed PML died, as did the patient with a possible case, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) said a committee had 'concluded that the benefits of Raptiva no longer outweigh its risks, because of safety concerns' including PML.
The European Commission will consider the advice. It usually follows EMEA recommendations.
Merck KGaA (MKGAY.PK - news) , which markets Raptiva in Europe, said it would work with European authorities 'to undertake all necessary measures to comply with the EMEA recommendations.'
Genentech is developing a plan to minimize Raptiva's risks in the United States, company spokeswoman Tara Cooper said.
Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG owns a majority stake in Genentech and is attempting to acquire the remaining shares.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine, editing by Dave Zimmerman and Andre Grenon) Keywords: GENENTECH/RAPTIVA
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