A Zinbryta investigation has been recently launched, after numerous patients reportedly developed serious complications like Zinbryta encephalitis or Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

Patients who may have developed Zinbryta encephalitis, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, liver failure, or other Zinbryta complications may be edible to participate in this investigation and filed for damages seeking medical compensation.

The concern about Zinbryta encephalitis became so prominent that drug manufacturers Biogen and Abbvie announced a voluntary market withdrawal of the medication. The voluntary recall was announced on March 2, 2018. Zinbryta (daclizumab) was recalled on a global scale due to reports of inflammatory disorders like encephalitis and meningoencephalitis.

According to the announcement, at least 12 cases of Zinbryta encephalitis has been reported worldwide, with three of those cases being fatal. Encephalitis is a brain tissue inflammation and a form of meningitis, which is when the membranes of the brain become infected from a bacterial or viral infection.

Patients who develop Zinbryta encephalitis will most likely experience flu like symptoms that last between two to three weeks, but some cases may require hospitalization. Encephalitis symptoms vary in severity, with some patients experiencing no symptoms to some developing seizures. Other symptoms may include:

• Muscle Pain or Weakness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Coordination Problems
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Delirium
• Headache

Patients who developed Zinbryta encephalitis should consult their physician immediately, to get a complete diagnosis and receive treatment for this condition. It is important to note there are a number of other serious side effects associated with Zinbryta, including the deadly skin condition Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Overview of Zinbryta Complications

Zinbryta entered the United States marketplace on May 27, 2016, getting FDA approval to treat adult patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication is generally prescribed to patients suffering from MS who have not responded to two or more first line treatment MS medications.

Zinbryta works by fusing with immune cells and reducing the strength of cells attacking the immune system. Multiple Sclerosis patients suffer from their body’s immune system, which attacks and damages nerve cells in the central nervous system.

Even though this medication has already helped numerous patients, the side effects reported in conjunction with Zinbryta have spurred serious concern in the medical community. The FDA stated it is aware of the “complex safety profile of Zinbryrta”, with the agency noting the injury reports from patients including:

• Adverse Immune Reactions like Encephalitis
• Liver Failure or Liver Complications
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (rare allergic drug reactions)

In addition to the voluntary recall, these reactions have earned Zinbryta a black box warning that states this medication can cause liver injury and other immune system problems.

The FDA also stated that Zinbryta should only be prescribed to MS patients who have not responded to two or more other MS treatment drugs. Furthermore, a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy has also been developed that makes Zinbryta only available through a strict distribution program.

Even though these complications can be devastating to patients, patient advocates suspect Biogen and Abbvie may have failed to adequately warn the patient population and medical community against the risk of Zinbryta encephalitis or other serious health risks.