Concern has been expressed in Athlone that today's slide in the share price of pharmaceutical company Elan, and the withdrawal of a new drug, will threaten plans for 120 new jobs in the town.
The multiple sclerosis drug, Tysabri, which has been withdrawn is manufactured in the Co Westmeath town, and projected growth in its sales was linked to last year's promise of an additional 120 jobs.
The Athlone Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern that these jobs may not now materialise.
Elan shares dropped by almost 70% on the Dublin Stock Exchange after it and its partner Biogen said they were suspending sales of Tysabri.
It followed news that one patient had died after being treated with the drug in combination with Biogen's MS drug, Avonex.
The Elan fall caused the Dublin ISEQ index to drop by over 6%.
Elan employs more than 400 people at its Athlone facility.
