Doctors keen on Elan MS drug - survey

Doctors are keen to adopt Elan's a new drug for multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a survey of neurologists by Morgan Stanley…

Doctors are keen to adopt Elan's a new drug for multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a survey of neurologists by Morgan Stanley.

Analysts at the investment bank said the survey of 105 high-prescribing US specialists increased their confidence that Antegren, which is expected to be launched next year, would capture 30 per cent of the market and reach global sales of $2 billion by 2008.

Antegren is a new class of drug for fighting MS and a key product for the fortunes of both Elan.

Unlike current treatments such as interferons, which are self-administered as injections by patients, Antegren is given as a once-a-month infusion, or drip, in the doctor's office.

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Morgan Stanley said the need for infusion equipment might limit use of the new product initially, since only 35 per cent of neurologists surveyed had infusion capabilities. But 86 per cent felt this would only be a constraint for the first six months.

The bank estimated that the total US market for MS drugs would grow to $3.8 billion in 2010 from $1.8 billion last year, with the EU market reaching $3.0 billion from $1.8 billion. In Europe, Antegren is not expected to be launched until 2006.