Psoriasis Drug Linked to Deaths From Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

February 19, 2009 — Three deaths from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and a possible fourth case have been reported in patients taking the immunosuppressant drug efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech, Inc), according to a public health advisory issued today by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

(Our point of interest : Efalizumab is an anti-CD11a antibody immunosuppressant drug indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.)

According to the FDA, all 4 patients had been taking efalizumab for at least 3 years and had taken no other immunosuppressant drugs.

The FDA is advising clinicians to follow patients who are receiving efalizumab closely, as well as those who have discontinued the drug, and to periodically reevaluate whether patients should continue to receive treatment.