Berlex Issues Betaseron Liver Testing Reminder Due To Increased MS Safety Focus
This article was originally published in The Pink Sheet Daily
Executive Summary
“Dear Health Care Professional” letter is sent to 7,000 physicians reminding them that liver function testing is recommended at one, three and six months following initiation of Betaseron for MS treatment.
You may also be interested in...
Biogen Idec Adds Liver Warning To Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Avonex
Interferon beta product joins Serono/Pfizer's Rebif with warning reflecting postmarketing experiences. Berlex' Betaseron does not have a warning but recommends testing. Coming on the heels of the Tysabri withdrawal, the labeling change is the second recent setback for Biogen Idec's multiple sclerosis franchise.
Tysabri Could Return In Fall; Marketing Suspended By Biogen Idec And Elan
One fatal, confirmed case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and one suspected case prompt withdrawal of multiple sclerosis product; risk/benefit ratio needs to be reestablished, companies say. Return to market would not be unprecedented, but Tysabri’s withdrawal sharpens focus on FDA's drug safety oversight.
First Drugs That Could Be Picked For Price Negotiation Showcase Longevity Of Some Brands
The first drugs expected to face US Medicare drug price negotiations, according to a new analysis, will have had an average commercial life span of 15 years.