Two years ago this week, Biogen Idec relaunched Tysabri, the multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease treatment, after a safety scare. Now, the drug is shaping up to be a blockbuster, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Tysabri was recalled in 2005 after three patients developed a rare brain infection [1] and two died. FDA let the drug back on the market the next year under a monitoring program. Just two years later, Tysabri is expected to surpass $1 billion in annual sales, according to Biogen CEO James Mullen. First-quarter sales were $160 million, and second-quarter numbers will be announced tomorrow.
- read the WSJ article [2]
Related Articles:
No new PML cases for Tysabri [1]
Watchdog endorses use of Tysabri for severe MS [3]
After reintroduction, Tysabri builds patient base [4]
FDA allows Tysabri back on market [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/spotlight-no-new-pml-cases-tysabri/2007-10-12
[2] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121660623237168999.html?mod=2_1566_topbox
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/watchdog-endorses-use-tysabri-severe-ms/2007-08-22
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/after-reintroduction-tysabri-builds-patient-base/2007-07-23
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/fda-allows-tysabri-back-on-market/2006-06-06