NEWS - PML reported in an RA patient taking Rituxan (rituximab)

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PML Found in Patient on Rituximab Monotherapy

By Gever, Senior Editor, MedPage Today

Published: October 24, 2009

A case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has been

reported in a rheumatoid arthritis patient taking rituximab (Rituxan)

who had not previously received anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy,

according to the FDA and the drug's manufacturer.

The case is the third seen with rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis,

according to a " Dear Healthcare Professional " letter issued by

Genentech. The previous two were seen in patients who had received

anti-TNF drugs earlier.

PML causes inflammation in the brain, which has been fatal in about

half of patients. It is caused by reactivation of latent JC virus

infection, presumably a result of immune suppression.

Other biologic drugs targeting immune system components have been

linked to PML, as well, including natalizumab (Tysabri) and efalizumab

(Raptiva).

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Read the full article here:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/Prescriptions/16607

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