Elan research chief moves to advisory role

Elan has announced that its president of research and development Dr Lars Ekman, who is also a member of the operating committee and board of directors at the firm, will move from his current position to an advisory role as director at the end of the year.

As of the start of next year, Dr Ekman will continue in his role as chairman of the science and technology committee, whose function is to provide guidance and strategic input to the chief executive officer and chairman of Elan.

Dr Ekman joined Elan in January 2001 and has played a key role in the development of the firm’s research and development pipeline since this time, with the company receiving three approvals for three European marketing applications and four US new drug applications over this period.

Kyran McLaughlin, chairman of the board of Elan, described Dr Ekman as an invaluable member of the management team at the firm.

“We are delighted and fortunate to have Lars remain on our board and we look forward to his continued guidance, support and leadership as we move this company forward,” he said.

Last month, Elan announced its financial results for the second quarter of the 2007 fiscal year, with the company recording revenues of $188.5 million (91.4 million pounds), a 38 per cent increase on the comparable quarter last year.