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The newly approved Stratify JCV test is designed to detect a common virus that increases the likelihood of developing the brain infection. The John Cunningham virus is harmless in most people, but can become dangerous in patients taking immune system-suppressing drugs like Tysabri.
Doctors can use the results of the blood-based test, combined with facts about the patient's medical history, to determine whether they are at risk of developing the brain infection. Other factors that influence a patient's risk include how long they've been taking Tysabri and whether they've previously taken other medications that weaken the immune system.
The test was developed by Quest Diagnostics.
The FDA also updated Tysabri's label to specify that patients who test positive for the virus have a higher risk of developing PML.
"This label change marks an important advance in assisting people
with MS and their physicians to make better-informed decisions
concerning the challenges of balancing effectiveness with safety,"
said Dr. Nicholas LaRocca, vice president of the National MS
Society. Tysabri was temporarily pulled from the market shortly after its
launch in 2005 after three patients taking the drug developed PML.
FDA allowed the drug back on the market the following year but under
a restricted distribution program. Only doctors and pharmacies
registered with the company's distribution program are permitted to
prescribe and dispense the drug. Biogen, based in Weston, Mass., sells Tysabri through a partnership with
Elan Corp., an Irish drugmaker.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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