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Luna G, Alping P, Burman J et al. Infection risks among patients with multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod, natalizumab, rituximabm and injectable therapies. JAMA Neurology2020; 77:184-91.var gaJsHost = (( " https: " == document.location.protocol) ? " https://ssl. " : " http://www. " ); document.write(unescape( " %3Cscript src= ' " + gaJsHost + " google-analytics.com/ga.js ' type= ' text/javascript ' %3E%3C/script%3E " ));var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker( " UA-3639768-12 " ); pageTracker._initData(); pageTracker._trackPageview();Swedish study examines risk of infections severe enough to caus...
Source: neurologyminutiae - November 22, 2020 Category: Neurology Source Type: blogs
What It Costs to Prevent an MS Relapse: New Report Reveals Some Shockers
I’m often asked where I get much of the information I turn into our Life With Multiple Sclerosis blogs. I use a lot of the same patient advocacy organizations that you do. I also subscribe to some medical journals, and I get alerts from professional sites used by doctors and journalists.
Last week I got an alert from one of those sites telling me about a new report on the cost-benefit ratio of multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs, produced by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) and dated March 6, 2017.
In the report (It’s 253 pages, so make the coffee strong), the Institute states that most people living...
Source: Life with MS - March 16, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: Trevis Gleason Tags: multiple sclerosis MS in the news research treatment Source Type: blogs
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: MRI
Case Report: 43 y Male, known retroviral status with altered sensorium for MRI shows-Diffuse non-enhancing T2 and FLAIR white matter hyperintensity in supratentorial white matter in all the lobes, middle cerebellar peduncles, right thalamus, corpus callosum with mild mass effect over sulcal spaces& ventricles with subtle bright signal in DWI with sparing of grey matter& subcortical U fibers with unremarkable flow voids, dural sinuses,optic chiasm/intraventricular extension, midline extension. Prominent subependymal vessels& pachymeninges seen on contrast without nodularity. These findings...
Source: Sumer's Radiology Site - March 6, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Sumer Sethi Source Type: blogs
Biogen Plant That Makes Older MS Drugs Fails An FDA Inspection
Biogen Idec may impressing Wall Street with its new Tecfidera treatment for multiple sclerosis, but the drugmaker is not impressing regulators with some of its practices for manufacturing a pair of older treatments – Tysabri and Avonex.
A recent inspection report issued by the FDA, which examined a facility last summer, noted that the drugmaker did not always challenge the validity of all testing results provided in certificates of analysis as part of qualification procedures. In other words, Biogen (BIIB) did not always ensure that active pharmaceutical ingredients were sterile, as suppliers claimed.
In addition, Biogen...
Source: Pharmalot - December 9, 2013 Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: esilverman Source Type: blogs
Medical Mispronunciations and Misspelled Words: The Definitive List.
Hearing medical mispronunciations and seeing misspelled words are an under appreciated joy of working in healthcare. Physicians often forget just how alien the language of medicine is to people who don't live it everyday. The best part about being a physician is not helping people recover from critical illness. The best part is not about listening and understanding with compassion and empathy. Nope, the best part about being a physician is hearing patients and other healthcare providers butcher the language of medicine and experiencing great entertainment in the process. Doctors c...
Source: The Happy Hospitalist - October 2, 2013 Category: Internists and Doctors of Medicine Authors: Tamer Mahrous Source Type: blogs
FDA probe Gilenya
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the potential link between Novartis' multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Gilenya and a rare brain infection.The investigation was launched after a patient treated with Gilenya (fingolimod) in Europe developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) - an infection that has been associated with fellow MS drug Tysabri (natalizumab), which is marketed by Biogen Idec.Gilenya has already been linked to PML following a report last year that an MS patient taking the drug had developed the infection, although that patient had already received Tysabri earlier in ...
Source: PharmaGossip - September 3, 2013 Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: insider Source Type: blogs
Best Post of February 2013: Review by Dr. Mark Cohen of "Neuropathology: A Volume in the Hight Yield Pathology Series", edited by Yachnis and Rivera-Zengotita
The next in our "Best of the Month" series appeared on February 26, 2013: Mark L. Cohen, MDI am honored to present a guest post by the inimitable Dr. Mark Cohen of the illustrious Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Cohen not only reviews a great new neuropathology textbook, but illustrates yet again why he is widely known as the Maxwell Smart of Neuropathology. (Not really) Full disclosureSelf-annihilating conflicts of interest, as follows:Long-standing professional relationship with unbridled admiration for lead editor Tony Yachnis, both as a person and as a pathologist (he's not the Moderator of the ...
Source: neuropathology blog - August 13, 2013 Category: Pathologists Source Type: blogs
Another Pharma Deal Spurred, In Part, By A Lower Irish Tax Rate
For the second time in recent weeks, Ireland has figured prominently in an acquisition of one drugmaker by another. And the reason is rather obvious – by locating headquarters in Ireland, a drugmaker that was previously based in the US can enjoy a lower corporate tax rate.
The latest example involves the $8.6 billion purchase of Elan (ELN) by Perrigo. This follows the deal announced in May in which Actavis is paying $8.5 billion for Warner Chilcott. In both instances, the acquirer benefits from the 12.5 percent corporate tax rate in Ireland.
What’s more, Ireland offers double taxation treaties with other countries. As ...
Source: Pharmalot - July 29, 2013 Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: esilverman Source Type: blogs
Perrigo buys Irish drug maker Elan in $8.6bn deal
Perrigo, which manufactures generic drugs for the over-the-counter market in America, has agreed to pay $6.25 a share in cash plus $10.25 a share in stock for Elan, a premium of about 10.5pc over Elan's closing price on Friday.Joseph Papa, Perrigo's chief executive and chairman, said the deal would provide a "platform for further international expansion," with the two companies combining to create a "industry-leading global healthcare company".Perrigo will unlock access to Elan's lucrative royalties from Tysabri, the multiple sclerosis drug, in which it has maintained royalty rights of up to 25pc and generated revenues of ...
Source: PharmaGossip - July 29, 2013 Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: insider Source Type: blogs
Pharmalot... Pharmalittle... Good Morning
Rise and shine, another busy day is on the way. Already this week, there has been a fast-paced medical conference, a contentious court ruling and a controversial FDA panel meeting, which continues today. What else may arise? We are uncertain, but are keeping watch and, meanwhile, planning some interesting items. For now, please enjoy some tidbits, and a cup of stimulation, as we always do. Have a great day and keep us in mind for interesting developments...
Tysabri Screening Test May Be Unreliable (MedPage Today)
India Reconsiders Revocation Of Pfizer Sutent Patent (The Hindu)
Non-Profit To Be Formed For Sharing Genetic An...
Source: Pharmalot - June 6, 2013 Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: esilverman Source Type: blogs
Using Social Media as an Early Predictor of a New Drug's Market Share
According to Gideon Mantel, co-founder and CEO of Treato, social media can predict the success of a new drug launch much faster than traditional methods."Many pharmaceutical companies try to measure the success of their launch based on weekly script trends," said Mantel in a blog post (here). "The difference between social media data and data derived from prescriptions is significant: social media data can predict the future, while script data record the past."To illustrate this, Treato looked at patient-written social media posts on over 2,000 health blogs and forums to find mentions of Tecfidera (formerly called BG-12 du...
Source: Pharma Marketing Blog - May 22, 2013 Category: Pharma Commentators Tags: social media Source Type: blogs
New (to MS) Drug Approved for Multiple Sclerosis: The Price of Recycling
Good news for multiple sclerosis patients this week as the 10th disease modifying medication for MS (and the 3rd oral drug) was approved by the FDA. It’s not a new drug as a form of the medication has been approved for treatment of some types of psoriasis for nearly two decades. For a while it wasn’t even a drug – it was used an anti-mold treatment for sofas and shoes before its use was discontinued due to skin irritations. This week, however, Tecfidera (the drug many of us have known as “BG-12” during the testing phases) was approved and its maker, Biogen, intends to release the drug “within days”.
First bl...
Source: Life with MS - March 29, 2013 Category: Other Conditions Authors: admin Tags: MS treatment drug approval treatment cost Source Type: blogs
Review by Dr. Mark Cohen of "Neuropathology: A Volume in the High Yield Pathology Series", edited by Yachnis and Rivera-Zengotita
Mark L. Cohen, MDI am honored to present a guest post by the inimitable Dr. Mark Cohen of the illustrious Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Cohen not only reviews a great new neuropathology textbook, but illustrates yet again why he is widely known as the Maxwell Smart of Neuropathology. (Not really) Full disclosureSelf-annihilating conflicts of interest, as follows:Long-standing professional relationship with unbridled admiration for lead editor Tony Yachnis, both as a person and as a pathologist (he's not the Moderator of the world-famous Diagnostic Slides Session of the American Association of Ne...
Source: neuropathology blog - February 26, 2013 Category: Pathologists Tags: books Source Type: blogs
Top stories in health and medicine, February 11, 2013
This series is brought to you by MedPage Today.1. MS Patient Dies From Anti-Drug Antibodies. A reaction to anti-natalizumab (Tysabri) antibodies appears to have killed a Swedish woman with multiple sclerosis who received the drug.2. Black Males Not Applying to Med School. Fewer black men are applying to, accepted to, and attending U.S. medical schools despite an increase in the number of overall applicants and uptick in matriculation among other minorities.3. U.S. Birth Rate Hit Historic Low. Americans had fewer babies in 2011 than in any year before. Manage your online reputation: A complete social media guide. Read the ...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - February 11, 2013 Category: Family Physicians Tags: News Medical school Neurology OB/GYN Source Type: blogs
MS, Inc.
Far earlier than the mid-winter moon set behind the hills of west Kerry this morning, the morning after news broke that Biogen Idec purchased Tysabri from its partner and inventor of the drug, Elan for a whopping $3.25 Billion (that’s $3,250,000,000), I lay awake trying to fathom the vastness of the news. I am no mathematician on my best days and ever since my attack in August of 2011 I still have an aversion to numbers. Still, the thoughts rumbled in my head.
Even at current wholesale prices and using the figures posted by the company itself (that over 99,000 people worldwide have “taken” Tysabri not “are on Tysa...
Source: Life with MS - February 8, 2013 Category: Other Conditions Authors: admin Tags: MS Politics MS pills Tysabri ms and businesses multiple sclerosis drugs Source Type: blogs
