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This excerpt taken from the ELN 20-F filed Feb 26, 2009. Unique
Scientific Opportunity
Our biopharmaceutical pipeline includes a range of unique
medical and scientific opportunities across a number of
indications and formulations, particularly in our small molecule
integrin platform. We believe this reflects considerable
potential value for external licensing
and/or
partnering opportunities, beyond our core focus in neuroscience.
Alpha
4 Integrin
Our therapeutic strategy for treating autoimmune and other
diseases is to identify mechanisms common to these diseases and
develop novel therapeutics that stop the underlying causes of
disease. Alpha 4 integrin is a protein expressed by immune cells
that allows those cells to leave the bloodstream and invade
target tissues. Blocking alpha 4 integrin stops immune cells
from entering tissues.
Since first publishing the hypothesis concerning the therapeutic
potential of blocking alpha 4 integrin in 1992, our scientists
have been expanding and refining our understanding of how cells
enter tissues. Through this deep understanding, we have
developed small molecules that can selectively block particular
alpha 4 integrin interactions.
We have advanced a number of compounds in this area. ELND002 is
currently being studied for MS and oncology, and ELND004 is
currently being studied for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s
disease.
Tysabri
Tysabri is an alpha 4 integrin antagonist designed to
inhibit immune cells from leaving the bloodstream and to prevent
these immune cells from migrating into chronically inflamed
tissue where they may cause or maintain inflammation.
We, in collaboration with Biogen Idec, continue to explore
additional indications for Tysabri, including oncology.
An Investigational New Drug (IND) application was filed for
Tysabri for multiple myeloma in 2007 and a Phase 1/Phase
2 proof of concept study was initiated in 2008.
Pervasive
Patient Relevance
Our progress, goals and achievements are underscored by a deep
commitment to creating, sustaining and growing the unique
patient relevance of our therapies, science and relationships.
In addition to the advancement of our products and clinical
studies, this fundamental focus on patients is also evidenced by
our collaborative research ventures, our patient assistance
programs, our intellectual property estate enabling the
advancement of innovation, and the widespread, patient-facing
outreach of our employees in the communities in which we work
and live.
Moving forward, we remain steadfastly committed to pursuing the
strategic opportunities that have the best potential to deliver
significant benefit to millions of patients around the world.
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Alzheimer’s
Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)
ADDF, a biomedical venture philanthropy, is the only public
charity solely dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery
and development of drugs to prevent, treat and cure
Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive aging. On April 16,
ADDF and Elan announced the winners of their third annual
research award program, Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery for
Alzheimer’s Disease. Four international scientists received
a total of $530,000 in grant funding.
The
Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center
In addition to our internal programs for Parkinson’s
disease, we collaborate with world-class experts to expand the
body of scientific knowledge around this disease. Our
researchers have worked with scientists from the
Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center and have made
significant progress in developing a new animal model, which
could enable us to evaluate new treatment approaches.
The
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s
Research
Since 2007, our efforts with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for
Parkinson’s Research have included a grant program,
“Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery,” designed to
identify and fund promising projects, to help them advance more
quickly from the lab to the clinic.
With a strong focus on the development of disease-modifying
therapies for Parkinson’s disease, Novel Approaches to Drug
Discovery provides funding for projects of up to one year’s
duration. Ideal proposals focus on efforts to develop promising
biological targets into novel disease-modifying therapeutic
strategies. Novel Approaches holds unique potential to provide
awardees from both academic and biotech institutions with a
clear opportunity for follow-on funding and collaboration for
further development. We have an option for a right of first
negotiation for any promising approaches or materials that arise
out of this program.
The
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary
U.S. health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support
and research, with a mission “to eliminate Alzheimer’s
disease through the advancement of research; to provide and
enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the
risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.”
Our multi-faceted relationship with the Alzheimer’s
Association includes participating in the Alzheimer’s
Association Research Roundtable, a consortium of scientific
thought-leaders working to facilitate the development and
implementation of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
National
Pain Foundation
The American Pain Society
Severe chronic pain is a condition that requires a community of
support and education. We have ongoing patient education
initiatives with the National Pain Foundation and the American
Pain Society, and we are proud to support their efforts to
provide reliable information and services to patients and
healthcare providers.
Tysabri
Financial Assistance Program
Our collaborator on Tysabri, Biogen Idec, provides
Tysabri patients a wide range of support services and
programs to optimize access to Tysabri in the United
States. Biogen Idec partners patients with a Financial
Assistance Counselor to develop the best financial solution for
accessing Tysabri therapy, helping to ensure that no
patient is denied treatment based solely on financial reasons.
Financial assistance programs encompass a number of options; are
tailored to address the various needs of patients, including
those uninsured, privately insured, or insured through Medicare;
and include a co-pay assistance program with a low monthly cap,
subject to annual enrollment and income limit qualifications.
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