Multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disorder that causes blurred
vision, weakness and memory loss, affects more than 1 million people
worldwide. And just like other MS "wonder drugs," Biogen
Idec's Avonex has been linked to critical, potentially fatal, side
effects. Together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Biogen
has issued a warning that Avonex could cause severe liver damage
to MS patients.
A statement posted on the FDA's Web site further stated that the
drug has, in some cases, been found to cause liver damage in the
presence of other drugs linked with hepatic (liver) injury.
But this isn't the first time Biogen has experienced product pitfalls:
Two cases of an unusual, but deadly, infection of the central nervous
system occurred in patients taking Avonex in juxtaposition with
Tysabri--already pulled from the market--for over two years. To
say the least, Biogen's stock continues to crash and burn.
Beta-Interferon Drugs Responsible for
Liver Problems
Avonex is an injectable medicine known as a beta-interferon drug--which
blocks the immune system's white cells from attacking the protective
coating that surrounds nerve fibers. Other beta-interferon drugs
rivaling Avonex include:
- Pfizer's Rebif
- Schering's Betaseron
In defense, a Biogen spokeswoman explained that liver trouble has
been found to be a side effect among all drugs in the beta-interferon
class, and that the warnings pertaining to Avonex are not a product-specific
case. Both Rebif's and Betaseron's labels contain warnings pertaining
to potential liver problems. Avonex's label is schedule to reflect
revisions soon.
ABC
News March 16, 2005
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