Raptiva Lawsuit

In 2003 the FDA approved use of the drug Raptiva for the treatment of psoriasis.  It is classed as an autoimmune suppressant, a type of drug that is designed to impact the immune system in order to achieve certain desirable medical results.  In the case of psoriasis, Raptiva restricts the growth of T-cells which are a critical component of the immune system.

Psoriasis is caused by a malfunction of the immune system.  The body develops a false sense of the need for more epidermal cells, which are generated and which result in the inflamed, flaky skin that is the predominant symptom associated with the disease.  Suppressing the T-cell development in turn suppresses the demand for overproduction of epidermal cells, resulting in a reduction of the psoriasis condition.

However suppression of the immune system can lead to other unanticipated and undesirable results.  In particular, the suppression of T-cells can lead to increased development of infection.  As with most medical afflictions, this impact is most likely to occur in people with fragile health or who are elderly.

FDA Warning

As the result of a steady stream of reports, the FDA took action against Raptiva in October of 2008.  The agency issued a Public Health Advisory about the increase risk of infection due to the use of Raptiva; part of this process included a request of Genentech to put a “black box” warning on all Raptiva packaging regarding this potential side effect.

One of the persistent infections seemingly linked to Raptiva use and so noted by the FDA, is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. This otherwise rare infection occurs primarily in the brain but impacts the entire central nervous system.  Symptoms include difficulty speaking, lack of motor control and coordination while executing simple tasks, and a substantial feeling of overall weakness.  The disease is progressive, is usually fatal and has no known cure.

In February of 2009 the FDA issued another public health warning about Raptiva.  In this action it was explained that the agency had learned of three psoriasis patients using the medication that had developed PML, and had also received notice of a fourth case that was possibly PML.  Three of these four individuals have since died.

Psoriasis Patients and Raptiva Lawsuits

Raptiva currently generates approximately $120 million a year in sales.  There are over seven million psoriasis sufferers in the United States and for many of them; the introduction of Raptiva represented the hope of new relief.  Today, the FDA is instructing medical practitioners who prescribe Raptiva to “ensure that the risks of Raptiva do not outweigh its benefits.”

This language is a clear statement of the ongoing threat of Raptiva use.  While PML is the most dramatic threat, the FDA has also asked that Genentech include in its warnings that the drug increases the risk of viral meningitis and undefined “invasive fungal disease” as well as “bacterial sepsis” and other “opportunistic infections.”

Raptiva lawsuits are being developed on behalf of hundreds of psoriasis patients and their families.  If you or a family member has been treated for psoriasis and has developed infections or illnesses as possible side effects, we will give you an expert review of your case with regard to possible liability compensation and will do so at no charge.