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Genentech, Inc. is the corporation that manufactures Raptiva® (generic name, efalizumab), a relatively new treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. As a prescription-only once-weekly injection, Raptiva was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003, but it has come under recent scrutiny due to its connection to life-threatening infections, including:

• meningitis
• PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy)
• encephalitis
• fungal and viral infections

Manufacturer, Developer of Many Drugs

Based in San Francisco, Genentech is a huge company. In March 2009, Genentech executives stated that the sales of another Genentech product, the cancer drug Avastin, are expected to quadruple by the year 2015 to $10 billion. Genentech develops and provides many other drugs, including:

• Rituxan — for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system
• Herceptin — for metastatic breast cancer
• Lucentis — for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Xolair — for asthma

Genentech, a Biotechnology Leader

Genentech was founded in 1976 and went public in 1980. It marketed the first recombinant DNA drug — human insulin — in 1982, licensed to the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. In 2003, Genentech obtained the FDA's approval for Raptiva as a psoriasis treatment for adult candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Genentech describes Raptiva as "the first biologic therapy designed to provide continuous control of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and can be self-administered by patients as a single, once-weekly, subcutaneous injection." Raptiva medication for self-injections comes in packages that include the necessary syringes and needles (disposable).

Recent News about Genentech's Raptiva

In February 2009, the FDA issued a warning emphasizing the possibility of contracting PML and other opportunistic infections from Raptiva treatment. The reports of deaths and serious illnesses among Raptiva patients are being taken very seriously by the FDA, and it is possible that Raptiva will be removed from the market in the U.S. Raptiva drug was pulled from the market in Europe in February 2009 in response to the deaths and injuries linked to the drug.

The recent FDA Raptiva warning also noted that:

• Raptiva is not for pediatric patients
• repeated administration of Raptiva can lead to permanent suppression of the immune system
• healthcare providers who provide Raptiva should make sure that patients are up-to-date on their vaccinations
• Raptiva patients should be taught the symptoms of infections, neurological disorders, thrombocytopenia, anemia and other disorders that may arise due to Raptiva treatment

Getting Help for your Raptiva Injuries

If you or a loved one has been injured after taking Raptiva or another drug manufactured by Genentech, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses. To schedule a private, no cost consultation with an experienced Raptiva attorney who will evaluate your case and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, please contact us today.

"Raptiva side effect PML"

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary Raptiva recall, April 8, 2009. The Psoriasis drug’s manufacturer, Genentech, announced the voluntary Raptiva recall and has begun phasing the drug off the U.S. market. R...

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