Biogen Idec has released the latest figures for PML cases and deaths following Tysabri infusions for multiple sclerosis. The total number of cases have reached 212 PML cases and 46 deaths in Tysabri MS patients as of March 1, 2012.
I have updated the chart on the right to reflect this recent report. This chart is under copyright. Please do not reproduce without permission.
As of March 1, 2012, there have been 212 PML cases, of which 122 have been in the European Economic Area (EU), 80 in the United States and 10 in rest of world (other). 46 of the 212 patients with PML have died.In 54 natalizumab-treated MS patients who developed PML and in whom serum samples were available 6-187 months prior to the onset of PML, all 54 patients had anti-JCV antibodies detected.
Samples were available from 86 patients at the time of PML diagnosis and all 86 tested positive for anti-JCV antibodies.
In addition, one sample, collected from a patient at the time of PML diagnosis following a cycle of plasma exchange (PLEX) tested negative for anti-JCV antibodies. Because this sample was collected immediately following PLEX, and PLEX removes antibodies from the circulation, the information obtained from this sample is unreliable.
One patient tested anti-JCV antibody positive two months before PML diagnosis. Previously, the patient had tested anti-JCV antibody negative 15 months prior to PML diagnosis, indicating that they had been exposed to the JC virus at some point between the two tests.
Source: Biogen Idec (16/03/12) as shared by Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre.
I only take only one drug for the MS headacheas.When I was diagnosed in Dec 03 my neurologist at the time said I had the highest count of any of his other MS patients.(the protein count) I lost him as a doc in 04,after he put me off work at the hospital where we both worked,numerous MRI's I was to high cost patient for THEIR insurance,lololo So now I take supplements(herbs) and glad to say I am glad I have.I am haivng issues with walking now,but at least I am alive,such as it is.Thank you for posting this,answers questions my huband and I talked about just today.And trust me MS patients are the most overlooked patients.I have a cousin who has suffered with it for yrs and lost another one who had MS last yr,odd isn't it,3 of us in the same family,
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. Sorry to hear that you lost your job due to MS. I hope that you are able to find a way to get the MS treatments you want and need at the appropriate time.
Three MS patients in one family. Yes, that does seem to be a lot. wow. Hope you are doing well.
I forgot to mention, I myself also have MS, and have been on Tysabri for 2 and 1/2 years. I am JCV negative, and (knock on wood) hopefully will remain so. My neuro says that generally if you are JCV negative, the chances are lower of becoming positive. He told me to wear a mask when cleaning catboxes or toilets. The aforementioned boyfriend was on Tysabri for FIVE YEARS, and although JCV positive didn't get PML. Of course statistically the chances of getting PML are still very low even if you are JCV positive, but to stay on it for 5 years did seem a bit to be tempting fate. His neuro was encouraging him to remain on it, but he didn't feel comfortable with continuing, so he has switched to Aubagio.
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