Novartis
has been informed of a progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
diagnosis in a JCV antibody positive MS patient who had previously been
treated with Tysabri® (natalizumab) for approximately three and a half
years prior to initiating treatment with Gilenya (fingolimod).There is a known risk of PML associated with natalizumab treatment, especially in patients who are JCV antibody positive and have been treated with natalizumab for more than two years. The current assessment is that natalizumab is the drug most likely associated with this case of PML. However, a contribution of Gilenya to the evolution of this case cannot be excluded.
This is the first reported PML case in approximately 36,000 fingolimod-treated patients, of whom approximately 2,400 were treated for more than two years and approximately 500 were treated for more than four years. There is currently no confirmed case of PML reported to Novartis in a fingolimod-treated patient without previous natalizumab treatment.
Details on the case are being submitted to heath authorities according to regulations as they become available.
Novartis believes Gilenya is a benefit for appropriate MS patients when used in accordance with approved labeling.
http://www.novartis.com/cs/www.novartis.com-v4/downloads/newsroom/product-related-info-center/statement-PML.pdf
