2 patients in Tysabri study found to have JC virus

A study of the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, made by Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp. PLC, shows some patients carried the virus associated with a potentially deadly brain infection, although not the infection itself, according to an analyst's report. Citing a summary of a presentation set for April at the American Academy of Neurology, Corey Davis, an analyst at Natixis Bleichroeder, said an examination of 175 patients treated at one center found two cases of JC virus - one in the cerebrospinal fluid and one in the plasma. But he noted neither showed any signs of progression to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, the potentially deadly brain infection. Tysabri was pulled from the market in 2005 after several patients developed the disease, but allowed back in 2006 with certain restrictions. (Wire services)

The Massachusetts business confidence index in February fell to its lowest reading since October 2003, Associated Industries of Massachusetts said. The index fell to a reading of 50.2 last month, down from a January reading of 50.6. A majority of the employers who responded to a monthly survey by the employer group said either a recession is likely or is already underway, AIM said. February's drop marked the sixth decline in the index in seven months. (Chris Reidy)

Fashion retailer Nordstrom Inc. said it plans to open its first Boston-area Nordstrom Rack store this fall at Liberty Tree Mall in Danvers. Nordstrom Rack is the company's off-price retail division. It sells overstock and clearance items, as well as its own special-purchase items. Nordstrom opened its first Massachusetts full-line department store at the Natick Collection mall last year and plans to open its second this month at the Burlington Mall, the company said. (Chris Reidy)

IRobot Corp., the Burlington company that makes battlefield robots, revealed an expanded lineup of home robots designed to clean pools of leaves, dirt, and other debris. The Verro line includes models for above-ground and in-ground pools. Suggested prices for the Verro line range from $399 to $999, iRobot said. (Chris Reidy)

General Motors Corp. and Daimler AG unveiled plans for lithium-ion hybrids as automakers push to overcome difficulties with a technology that promises to drive hybrid autos to the next level of performance. Daimler AG will be the first to get to market, disclosing its intention to introduce a hybrid version in 2009 of its Mercedes-Benz flagship S-class luxury sedan using a gasoline engine and a lithium-ion power source. GM said it expects to bring its first lithium-ion battery powered hybrid engine system to market in North America sometime in 2010. No products have been revealed, but officials said the technology had potential across a broad range of models. (AP)

A consumer advocacy group wants banking regulators to hold public hearings in California on Bank of America Corp.'s proposed $4 billion acquisition of Countrywide Financial Corp. The Greenlining Institute said it sent a letter outlining its request to Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke. The group says it supports the buyout but wants homeowners in California to be able to voice their opinions. The institute has asked Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis to meet with community groups and lay out plans to aid homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Bank of America did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. (AP)

The State of Illinois-backed sports agency that wants to buy and renovate Wrigley Field in Chicago expects to make a formal offer to Tribune Co. for the historic baseball park next week or the week after, its chairman said. A former Illinois governor, James Thompson, said the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which has been looking into a Wrigley purchase since December at Tribune owner Sam Zell's request, is still assessing the cost of needed restoration work at the 94-year-old stadium. (AP)