Just media confusion as they never had the 28 case number. Biogen CEO said the case count was 28 as of mid Dec. Analyst asked about the potential for a 29th case and he said it was certainly possible but that the official update would be available sometime mid next week (13th or so).

That would explain why my count is 33 with three unconfirmed cases.

I just found this article on a recent conference call between Biogen's CEO and Goldman Sachs regarding Tysabri, among other drugs. It really gives you insight into the mindset of those in charge at Biogen and in particular the need to make $$$$. The CEO is retiring. Sounds like he doesn't want to have to deal with the PML issue anymore although the company claims it will be more transparent and consistent in terms of how it disseminates info on PML cases.

http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2010/0...departing-ceo/

There is nothing wrong with a drug company wanting to make money. That's what they are in business for and Biogen/IDEC is no exception.

But it's how these companies conduct themselves in doing this. If you look at how Biogen has handled the entire Tysabri situation, it isn't hard to see that profit making has been made at the expense of MS patients.

When trying to make a decision as whether to use Tysabri or not, this just adds one more wrinkle as to whether MS patients are being told everything there is to know about this powerful drug.

Harry

This is very scary. Thanks for the link Natalie. Unfortunately very informative.

You know, I realize my chances of getting hit by a bus are greater than my chances of getting PML but for some reason, I feel safer with the bus!

This may be a stupid question but I am not seeing a breakdown anywhere... How many people treated with Ty for Crohn's disease have been diagnosed with PML? Is it just the MS patients?

To my knowledge, only 1 patient (1 of the 3 clinical trials patients) with Crohn's (taking Tysabri) has been diagnosed with PML. My guess is that this is because many fewer patients are taking Tysabri for Crohn's and the time exposure has been less because this indication was approved much later/harder to set up commercially (needed Neurologist's to act as consults).

Natalie,

I listened to Mullen's presentation at Goldman Sachs (available over the internet at BiogenIdec's web site). I view his comments on his departure as reflecting stability/increased confidence in the Tysabri PML issue (or why wouldn't he have left when PML was discovered in the Clinical Trials).

Chris

Biogen and Elan presented at investor conferences this week.

JC Virus Antibody assay to be available in months - 11 out of 11 PML patients who had blood samples prior to PML diagnosis tested positive on the assay

Discussed launching a trial comparing Tysabri to Copaxone and Rebif

Discussed expanding the indication to Secondary Progressive MS

Research continues on link of duration of therapy, prior immunosuppressant use, viral factors and patient factors to PML risk.

Just an FYI as to cost of Tysabri.

As of 12/17/09, the price of Tysabri that doctor's offices pay will increase slightly to $2399/vial (13 infusions/year will cost 31200). This is about a 2% increase over last year.

I'm going to get a copy of the bill my insurance receives and compare it to see what the infusion center is getting now! Last time I checked the ins. co. was paying $7500.00 a month for the whole process, med, infusion, supplies, chair, etc. I noted the vial of Tysabri was paid at $6500.00 and the rest was covered at 1000.00.

The infusion center was BILLING 7500.00 a month for the Tysabri alone and another $2500.00 for the infusion stuff, for a total of 10K +.

The last time I checked a billing was back in 2008, since my insurance company covers it all under hospital coverage. It will be interesting to see how much they are charging now!