Elan has named two new non-executive directors to its board - Dr Andrew von Eschenbach, a former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Hans Peter Hasler, former chief operating officer at biotechnology company Biogen Idec.
The company also said Shane Cooke, its former chief financial officer, would retire from the board. Following the completion of the merger between Alkermes and Elan Drug Technologies, Mr Cooke will join the newly formed Alkermes plc as its president.
The announcement follows years of pressure from Elan investors who accused the board of lacking relevant expertise and independence.
Amid much battling, last September the company succeeded in forcing two directors who had challenged its transparency and corporate governance practices to quit the board.
Elan and Biogen jointly make and sell the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. During his time at Biogen, which culminated in becoming COO, Mr Hasler served as head of international business overseeing the launch of Tysabri in Europe.
Elan's relationship with Biogen has historically been troubled. Last July, a new chief executive, George Scangos, took over at Biogen. Mr Scangos said in a recent interview that the relationship with Elan was now smooth.
