Biogen Idec and Elan announced today that they have submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for multiple-sclerosis drug Tysabri to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The financials joined pharmaceutical giant Elan and Insurance group FBD Holdings to give the ISEQ index of Irish shares a boost today.

The ISEQ index of Irish shares was up 23.02 points to 6656.3 today, buoyed by strong performances by most of the financials, a 29c rise by Elan and a 35c jump by FBD Holdings.

Shares in Elan have rocketed 9% today after the company received a huge boost in the US for its plans for a new treatment for multiple sclerosis.