Biogen, Elan warn of liver injury from Tysabri

Biogen Idec Inc and Elan Corp Plc notified doctors of reports that "significant" liver injury occurred in some multiple sclerosis patients as early as six days after their first dose of Tysabri, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday.

"Tysabri should be discontinued in patients with jaundice or other evidence of significant liver injury. Physicians should inform patients that Tysabri may cause liver injury," the FDA said in a notice posted on its Web site.

A copy of the companies' joint letter was posted at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/Tysabri-dhcp-letter.pdf. (Reuters)