Vernalis: Frovelan concerns a headache for shareholders

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Testing times for Tysabri

Biogen Idec and Elan have announced the voluntary suspension from sale and withdrawal from clinical trials of Tysabri, the companies' novel therapy for the treatment of relapse remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This move has already slashed share prices of both companies. Even if Tysabri is relaunched with some form of black-box warning, doubts will surely linger over its long-term safety.

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Schering-Plough/Centocor: wider Remicade indication

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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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Novuspharma: lending a hand to Micromet

Novuspharma has agreed to co-develop Micromet's MT201, the only fully human antibody in development that targets the Ep-CAM molecule. The companies plan to begin phase II trials for the drug, across a wide range of cancers. Novuspharma's expertise and experience in oncology will aid MT201's development, but the companies will also need an experienced marketing partner.

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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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Elan: to Genomics and Beyond

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Elan: taking the next step forward

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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: AD vaccine gives new hope

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