PHARMACEUTICAL company Elan has announced its president of research and development, Dr Lars Ekman, will make the transition from his current role to become an advisor as a member of the board of directors from the end of this year.

Elan have announced that Dr Lars Ekman, currently president of Research and Development, member of the Operating Committee and the Board of Directors, will transition from his current operational role to become an advisor as a member of the Board of Directors.

ELAN is to enter into talks to settle a lawsuit taken against the company by the family of a woman who died after taking its multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri.

ELAN’S head of R&D and chief scientist, Dr Lars Ekman has sold 30,000 of his shares in the company at a price of $15.70 per share, making a profit of over €400,000.