Research Areas

Neurodegenerative Diseases

In neuroscience, Elan builds upon more than two decades of breakthrough research and extensive experience in the area of neuropathology-driven disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The company’s efforts include multiple programs designed to affect the accumulation of amyloid plaques and toxic beta amyloid species found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.  We continue to explore novel compounds that can prevent toxic aggregation of amyloid plaque, as well as programs focused on small molecule inhibitors of beta secretase and gamma secretase, and small molecule compounds that target neurotrophic receptors and could protect neurons from Alzheimer’s disease.

Elan’s approach to Parkinson’s disease is focused on molecules that may be involved in the formation of Lewy bodies, which are considered the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Elan scientists have identified unusual forms of alpha-synuclein, a major component of Lewy bodies, in human Parkinson’s disease brain tissue, which has led to a series of therapeutic targets that are the current focus of our new drug discovery efforts.

Autoimmune Diseases

In autoimmune diseases, Elan is studying cell trafficking to discover ways to provide disease-modifying therapies for diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. Elan scientists created a breakthrough in the understanding of how the immune system is able to attack nerve cells in the brain by their discovery of the role of the alpha 4 integrin protein. This research led to the development of TYSABRI® (natalizumab) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, both of which involve the invasion of immune cells from the bloodstream into tissues with the aid of alpha 4 integrin. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. Our scientists continue to study alpha 4 integrin for MS and inflammatory bowel disease to find new small molecule inhibitors that may selectively block specific aspects of immune cell invasion.

Elan is also studying signaling molecules that may be involved in the brain inflammation characteristic of secondary progressive MS.  Elan scientists have initiated drug discovery efforts aimed at disrupting the chronic inflammation-neurodegeneration cycle that drives permanent disability in advanced MS patients.