PatientsLikeMe Report Indicates MS Patients Still Positive for Tysabri Following July Announcement o
Written by marin2008
Wednesday, 05 November 2008


PatientsLikeMe, the leading online communityfor patients with life-changing conditions, announces the release of itsnewest PatientsLikeMeListen™ report: "Did the July 2008 PML announcementaffect the Tysabri brand?" Among its findings, the report reveals thatpatients retained an overall positive perception of the Tysabri branddespite the July 2008 announcement of two additional PML cases.
"In light of last week's announcement of an additional case of PML in aTysabri patient, we felt it appropriate to release this report to givepatients a voice in this discussion," states David S. Williams III, one ofthe founding executives at PatientsLikeMe and co-author of the report."With patients becoming more influential in their treatment decisions, thisreport gives insight into how patients may interpret this newest PMLannouncement."

PatientsLikeMe performed a sentiment analysis on its community of more than8,500 MS patients. The analysis compares the three weeks following theJuly PML announcement (August 1 through August 21, 2008) with the 33 weeksprior to the announcement (ending July 31, 2008). As part of the analysis,discussion posts on PatientsLikeMe's forum were designated positive,negative, both positive and negative, or neutral based on the subject ofthe post, efficacy, safety, or tolerability.

Some key findings of the report:


1. Patients retained an overall positive view of Tysabri in the three weeks following the announcement of PML cases2. Open and honest communication of the PML cases by Biogen did not adversely affect patient perceptions of the Tysabri brand3. Safety concerns dominated conversation following the announcement but didn't lead to a negative perception4. The benefit/risk ratio of Tysabri continues to be a main part of patient discussions about the medication
The report includes full demographics on patients who discussed Tysabriincluding age, gender, length of time taking Tysabri, number of individualscurrently taking Tysabri or discontinued, and other measures.

To get a complete copy of the PatientsLikeMeListen™ report, "Did theJuly 2008 PML announcement affect the Tysabri brand?" contact Lori Scanlonat lscanlon@patientslikeme.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 617.499.4003.

About PatientsLikeMe

PatientsLikeMe (www.patientslikeme.com) is the leading online healthcommunity for patients with life-changing conditions. PatientsLikeMecreates new knowledge by charting the real-world course of disease throughthe shared experiences of patients with ALS, Multiple Sclerosis,Parkinson's, HIV, and Mood conditions (including depression, bipolar,anxiety, OCD and PTSD). While patients interact to help improve theiroutcomes, the data they provide helps researchers learn how these diseasesact in the real world. PatientsLikeMe endeavors to create the largestrepository of real-world disease information to help accelerate thediscovery of new, more effective treatments.



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