People with multiple sclerosis were today urged not to give up hope, after a pioneering drug was withdrawn.
The Tysabri drug had shown a two-thirds reduction in MS relapses during clinical trials but its sales were suspended after it was linked to the death of a US patient.
MS Ireland chief executive Dr Graham Love
MS Ireland said sufferers should not give up hope that the drug, manufactured by Elan and its US partner Biogen, will return to the market
"There was a lot of hope centred around this drug and still is. I would stress that people shouldn't give up hope yet," said chief executive Dr Graham Love.
"Elan and Biogen need to do further tests, we'll wait in the coming months to see what happens."
Tysabri was not licensed for use in Ireland by the Irish Medicines Board, but about 20 people were believed to be taking it as part of clinical trials.
The share price of Elan dropped by 70% and around $7 billion was wiped off the value of the company, following the announcement of the drug's withdrawal.
The US patient died from a rare infection of the central nervous system after taking Tysabri in combination with another drug. Another patient was suspected to have contracted the rare disease.
Dr Love said it was possible Tysabri did not cause harm to patients when taken on its own. He reassured MS sufferers that there were no safety concerns over existing MS drugs. "I can imagine it caused some degree of panic. But the current market drugs are not affected by this," he told RTE radio this morning.
MS is a chronic neurological disorder which affects about 6,000 people in Ireland. It attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as tremors, double vision, mood swings and problems with balance.
Elan has said the withdrawal of Tysabri is a "temporary setback" and that the drug could be back on the market by the end the of year. The company, which employs 400 people in Athlone, has previously announced plans to create 120 new jobs.
The MS Ireland helpline is 1850 233 233.
PA