Tysabri Back in the News

The FDA is hitting Biogen's Tysabri with another warning for its label as new data shows that patients receiving infusions of the powerful MS drug are more likely to develop the potentially lethal brain infection PML as they receive more infusions. The information suggests that the number of infusions received is directly proportional to the risk of contracting PML, but it's hard to say whether or not this will affect use of the drug. It's a known fact that many people think Tysabri is the most effective MS treatment and patients are willing to take the 1 in 1000 risk of developing PML in exchange for a better quality of life. Biogen's stock may suffer initially, but not for long as the overall outlook of Tysabri looks good.

Read the FDA advisory here

Next health care reform may be stalling, but there are some rumblings in the Senate of an interesting plan to help promote biotechs to continue developing expensive ground breaking products. A senator from New Jersey is proposing a biotech tax credit that would help cut R&D costs by up to 50% if a project is deemed to meet a yet unmet medical need or has the potential to cut healthcare costs. This is a very interesting proposition, and not surprisingly it has been greeted warmly by the biotech industry. During a time where biotechs are struggling for cash and investors have tight wallets, such legislation could be a boon for the industry. Keep an eye out as this moves along through the Senate....

Read more at NJ.com

Optimer has created a new antibiotic for the common bacteria C.diff that seems to be at least as effective as a commonly used treatment for the potentially lethal infection. What does this mean for Optimer? Buyout talks of course. Because the drug has shown promise in another pivotal trial, suitors could come out of the woodwork to get a piece of this drug that has potential to really get a solid foothold in the antibiotic market.

Xconomy offers insight here