Swiss Firm’s Multiple Sclerosis Drug May Be Linked With a Rare Brain Infection

Novartis’s drug, Gilenya used to treat multiple sclerosis has been be linked to two cases of rare infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Us regulatory said, “Novartis AG must disclose that its pill to treat multiple sclerosis(MS), Gilenya, has been linked to as many as two cases of brain infection”.

The officials have received reports of two cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious brain infection caused by the John Cunningham virus. Generally this virus causes PML in some patients who take immunosuppressant drugs.

Multiple sclerosis - Symptoms - Causes - Diagnosis - Treatment
Multiple sclerosis can be a severely disabling autoimmune disease that affects the myelin or insulating layer of the nerve fibers and typically has remissions and relapses

According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, more than 2.3 million people are affected by Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system.

Gilenya helps to reduce relapses and delayed disability progression in MS patients. The drug has been prescribed to about 54,000 U.S. patients from its approval in 2010 through July 2015, said the FDA.

Symptoms of PML include worsening weakness, motor problems in arms and legs, and changes in eyesight and thinking. Therefore, FDA is advising patients receiving Gilenya to consult their health care professionals if they experience these symptoms. Patients should not stop Gilenya treatment without first discussing it with their health care professionals.

FDA Advisory Committee Backs Novartis� SigniforR
An advisory committee for the US Food and Drug Administration has unanimously recommended that the health regulator approve Novartis’ SigniforR drug.

Both health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse side effects to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information Program.

In august 2013, a case of PML infection was reported to the agency. But it could not be directly linked with Gilenya, as the patient had been previously treated with an immunosuppressant drug that can cause PML.

Indian Supreme Court Dismisses Novartis� Patent Claim for Its Cancer Drug
Swiss pharmaceutical giants Novartis has received a huge blow to its Indian operations after the country’s Supreme Court dismissed a patent request for its cancer drug, Glivec.

Source-Medindia

Novartis Sued for Paying Kickbacks
Novartis was found guilty of paying kickbacks to doctors to prescribe the company's drugs over rival products by the US Justice Department