14,000 patients now use Elan and its partner Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri around the world.
The drug was taken off the market two years ago after being linked with three cases of a potentially deadly brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML, when used in conjunction with other medical treatments.
Last year Tysabri was reintroduced to the market and is now available in the US and the EU. By mid-July 1,800 doctors were prescribing Tysabri to more than 8,600 patients in the US.
In the EU more than 4,300 patients are using the treatment commercially and approximately 1,000 patients are on Tysabri in global clinical trials.
Elan released this information this morning on the anniversary of Tysabri's reintroduction to the market.
In a research note this morning, analyst Jack Gorman of Davy Stockbrokers said: 'We remain comfortable with our long-term projections for Tysabri for 2010, global revenues of approximately $1.6 billion and patient numbers approaching 60,000.'
European regulators last week advised against the use of Tysabri for Crohn's disease, saying the risk of serious infection outweighed relatively modest benefits from the drug. The US Food and Drug Administration's advisory panel is to meet to discuss Tysabri's suitability for the treatment of Crohn's next week.
Elan shares closed up 31 cent at €14.95 on the ISEQ in Dublin this evening.
