Alzheimer's disease: an opportunity for expansion?

Alzheimer's disease is reaching epidemic proportions. However, less than half of those affected seek diagnosis, mistakenly believing that there are no effective treatments available. With the number of sufferers set to triple in the next 30-40 years, many drug companies are battling to grab a share of this lucrative market, but will they be able to develop drugs effective enough to capitalize?

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Elan/AHP: allying to improve sleepy Sonata sales

The agreement gives AHP access to Elan's drug development expertise in an attempt to revive Sonata, which has so far performed disappointingly. Elan should profit from obtaining a share of the drug's existing revenues and increasing its US sales presence. Such mutual benefits will strengthen the existing relationship between Elan and AHP.

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Elan/Biogen Idec: Tysabri sees further safety success

Elan and Biogen Idec can breathe a little easier having announced the second round of positive results about the safety of their multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. These results, which come less than a year after the voluntary withdrawal of the drug from the US market following the death of two patients from a fatal brain disorder, suggest a promising future could still be possible for Tysabri.

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Elan/Biogen: MS players cower as Antegren looms

Shares of Biogen [BIIB] and Elan [ELN] jumped after they announced they would apply for FDA approval of Antegren for multiple sclerosis treatment ahead of schedule. Antegren is crucial for maintaining Biogen's market share as it is facing stiff competition from Serono's [SRA] Rebif in the US. The drug is equally vital to Elan, which in recent years has suffered numerous financial setbacks.

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Elan: AD vaccine gives new hope

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Elan: Antegren offers renewed hope for growth

Elan [ELN] and Biogen [BIIB] have announced that the Phase III maintenance trial of Antegren in Crohn's disease met the primary end-point of maintenance of response. The new data improves the chance of regulatory approval for Antegren, but the product may still need to find a role in inducing Crohn's disease remission to boost the fortunes of struggling Elan.

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Elan: taking the next step forward

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Elan: to Genomics and Beyond

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Elan: trying to save a would-be blockbuster

The temporary suspension, on reports of worrying side effects, rocked shareholder confidence in Ireland's largest public company. Investors fear that one of Elan's two lead compounds may never generate revenue. The company may be able to save AN-1792, in which case it could still be a blockbuster drug - but the risks attached are high.

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Ovation Pharmaceuticals' Sabril recommended by FDA panel despite reports of visual field defect

Ovation Pharmaceuticals has announced that an FDA advisory committee has voted unanimously to recommend Sabril (vigabatrin) for the treatment of two severe forms of epilepsy. If approved, Sabril will be the first FDA-approved monotherapy for infantile spasms. However, low historic uptake in the EU and concerns regarding visual field defects suggest that the drug's commercial prospects are limited.

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