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Ann Rheum Dis 2006;65:iii48-iii53 doi:10.1136/ard.2006.058404
  • The risks of targeted therapies

Natalizumab and progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy

  1. J R Berger
  1. Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr J R Berger
    Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Kentucky Clinic L-445, 740 S Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0284, USA; jrbneuro{at}uky.edu

    Abstract

    Current data suggest that as many as 1 in 1000 treated individuals may develop progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) in concert with the use of natalizumab. Natalizumab was withdrawn in early 2005. The present paper provides a comprehensive description of PML and reviews the role of natalizumab in the pathogenesis of PML. It is likely that use of drugs which cause specific perturbations of the immune system will be accompanied by similar rare infections. Thus researchers should be on the alert when using such agents in clinical trials.

    Footnotes

    • Competing interests: none declared

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