Zinbryta, the multiple sclerosis drug manufactured by Biogen and AbbVie, has recently been taken off the market by the drug manufacturers.

Patients have cited multiple problems including inflammatory encephalitis.

What is Zinbryta?

Zinbryta is a drug manufactured by drug makers Biogen and AbbVie to treat multiple sclerosis. It was approved in May 2016. Generically known as daclizumab, Zinbryta treats relapsing forms of the condition and is administered subcutaneously.

It has been shown to reduce relapses in patients by 45% and a 41% decrease in the proportion of patients who relapse. It is given when other drugs have not been effective for multiple sclerosis and affects the body’s immune system.

Zinbryta is a monoclonal antibody which may protect healthy cells by targeting harmful ones. Daclizumab works by binding to immune cells and reducing the amount that that other cells can attack the immune system.

However, on March 2, 2018, less than two years after approval, Zinbryta was pulled from the market by its drug makers, in part because of reports of inflammatory encephalitis.

Before the announcement of the removal, there had already been a black box warning issued regarding liver injury and there has been a recommendation that Zinbryta only be given to those patients who haven’t responded well to two or more MS drugs.

Zinbryta Inflammatory Encephalitis and Other Side Effects

Inflammatory encephalitis is a serious brain disorder that often results from a brain infection but can result from Zinbryta use. Symptoms of inflammatory encephalitis can include a headache, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, and hallucinations.

Other side effects of Zinbryta inflammatory encephalitis include muscle pain or weakness, fever, fatigue, problems with coordination, mental confusion, delirium and light sensitivity.

There have been at least twelve cases of Zinbryta inflammatory encephalitis reported worldwide, including at least three fatalities. Because of this, earlier this year, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) organized an urgent investigation into the safety of this drug.

Zinbryta has also been associated with other serious side effects including liver injury and liver failure, as well as erythema mulitforme which is the beginning stages of  Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).

SJS is a serious skin disorder that is life-threatening and can develop into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Filing a Zinbryta Inflammatory Encephalitis Lawsuit

The FDA is currently working with Zinbryta to organize an orderly removal of Zinbryta from the market.

The makers of Zinbryta have stated on their website, “Biogen and AbbVie believe it is in the best interest of patients to voluntarily withdraw ZINBRYTA in the United States. Given the nature and complexity of adverse events being reported with ZINBRYTA, characterizing the evolving benefit/risk profile of ZINBRYTA will not be possible going forward, given the limited number of patients being treated.”

Patients who are currently taking Zinbryta should not discontinue taking the drug but should discuss it with their doctor to determine how best to phase out of the drug.

If you or someone you love has taken Zinbryta and has experienced the symptoms of inflammatory encephalitis, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. Filing a Zinbryta inflammatory encephalitis lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering from adverse side effects, but it may help to alleviate the burden of medical costs and lost wages.