Voluntary Withdrawal of Raptiva

Genentech announced a voluntary withdrawal of the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab) from the U.S. market. The company’s decision is based on the association of Raptiva with an increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and usually fatal disease of the central nervous system. Effective immediately, physicians should not issue prescriptions for Raptiva for any new patients and should promptly contact patients currently receiving Raptiva to assess the most appropriate treatment alternatives. Raptiva will no longer be available after June 8, 2009.

Raptiva is indicated for the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults ≥ 18 years old who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

For more information call (877) RAPTIVA or visit www.gene.com.