Mass. Man Sues Biogen, Elan Claiming Wife Died During MS Drug Trial

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - A Massachusetts widower sued Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp. on July 20, claiming that his wife died from consuming the multiple sclerosis drug combination Tysabri and Avonex during a clinical safety trial. Smith v. Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp. PLC. No. MICV05-2527 (Mass. Super. Ct., Middlesex Cty.).

Walter Smith sued the manufacturers in Middlesex Superior Court, alleging that his 46-year-old wife, Anita, died from consuming Tysabri (natalizumab) and Avonex (interferon beta-1a). Anita was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in February 2000. She was prescribed Avonex by her physician, Dr. Patricia Fodor.

Dr. Fodor was employed …