Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Recalled Due To Brain Infection Risk
Genentech is conducting a phased market withdrawal of the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab). The company is doing this because taking the drug carries the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML, which is caused by the JC virus, is a rapidly progressive and irreversible infection of the central nervous system that leads to death or severe disability. Although the overall risk of PML for patients on Raptiva is low, it appears to be increased in long-term users of the drug and in those with compromised immune systems.