Good news for Tysabri ppl
Associated Press 08.28.07, 10:14 AM ET
NEW YORK -
Biotechnology company Biogen Idec Inc. said Tuesday there have been no new reports of patients taking the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri developing a rare and incurable nervous system disease.
The company claims data showing the lack of cases as of mid-July. Prior to that, the company said there were no new reports as of May 23.
Biogen withdrew Tysabri in February 2005 after two patients in clinical trials died of the condition, called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML.
Tysabri is codeveloped with Elan Corp. (nyse: ELN - news - people ) Patients taking the drug have to register with a program in order for the drug's safety to continue to be tracked. Earlier this month, a Food and Drug Administration panel recommended the drug be approved to also treat Crohn's disease, an intestinal disorder.
Through mid-July, the company said, about 14,000 people worldwide were taking the drug.
Shares of Biogen fell 4 cents to $62.89 in morning trading.
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