Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with efalizumab use in psoriasis patients

Namita Kothary, Ida Lina Diak, Allen Brinker, Shewit Bezabeh, Mark Avigan, Gerald Dal Pan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare, potentially fatal demyelinating disease, affects primarily immunocompromised individuals. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of PML associated with efalizumab (Raptiva), a biologic agent approved for psoriasis. In July 2009, efalizumab was voluntarily withdrawn from the US market because of the risk of PML. Objective: To describe 3 cases of PML in psoriasis patients treated with efalizumab. Methods: The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database was searched for post-marketing reports of PML associated with biologic agents that are FDA approved for psoriasis (adalimumab, alefacept, efalizumab, etanercept, infliximab) from market approval to January 30, 2009. Results: Twelve cases suggestive of PML were identified: adalimumab (1), efalizumab (4), etanercept (3), and infliximab (4). Efalizumab was the only drug with cases reporting PML in the setting of psoriasis. All cases of PML in efalizumab-treated patients presented 3 years or more after treatment initiation and resulted in death. Cases of PML in patients treated with adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab occurred in patients treated for conditions other than psoriasis and were confounded by the use of other immunosuppressive therapies or were not confirmed PML cases. Limitations: AERS data are limited because of an underreporting of spontaneous post-marketing adverse events and variable quality and quantity of information provided. Conclusions: These cases suggest that prolonged efalizumab therapy is a risk factor for PML. Although the cases reported treatment for longer than 3 years, a specific treatment duration that does not place patients at risk for PML has not been defined.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)546-551
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume65
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • biologics
  • demyelinating disorders
  • efalizumab
  • pharmacoepidemiology
  • progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
  • psoriasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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