PML research boost for Elan

CONTINUED research into a treatment for the rare brain disease PML — which is a potentially fatal side effect of the Tysabri multiple sclerosis (MS) drug — could result in a marked acceleration in revenue at Irish drug-making firm Elan.

US pharmaceutical firm, Biogen Idec — which is the joint owner of the MS drug with Elan — has already said it is looking at a treatment for PML, which has resulted in the deaths of two Tysabri users in the past four years. Any breakthrough would significantly lower the risk linked with taking the drug.

Biogen again reiterated its commitment to the drug at its research and development (R&D) day in the US last week.