Biogen Idec says Tysabri may prompt improvement

Biogen Idec Inc. said its multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri may actually prompt an improvement in patients rather than simply halt the disease's progression, according to a recent study. The Cambridge biotechnology company said an analysis of previously reported study data implies the drug might help patients sustain improvements in physical disabilities over a two-year period. There are about 32,000 patients on Tysabri worldwide, with 17,800 in the United States. Shares rose $2.85, or 6.1 percent, to $49.99. (AP)

PLC Systems Inc., a Franklin medical technology firm focused on the cardiac and vascular markets, said it has received a delisting notice from the American Stock Exchange. The company said the notice was dated Sept. 17. PLC said it received the notice because "the company's shareholders' equity was less than $4 million as of June 30, 2008, and it incurred losses from continuing operations and net losses in three out of its four most recent fiscal years." The company said it has until Oct. 17 to submit a plan to regain compliance. (Chris Reidy)

VMware Inc. said a senior executive in charge of product development is leaving after seven years with the company, the latest in a string of executive departures in recent months. A company spokeswoman said vice president of product development Paul Chan will leave Oct. 3. VMware stock has lost about two-thirds of its value so far this year as two of its founders and its top executive in charge of research and development have left the software maker. No reason was given for Chan's departure nor was mention made of who will replace him. VMware is majority owned by Hopkinton-based EMC Corp. (Reuters)

Apple Inc. advised iPhone 3G users in many countries to replace the device's power adapter following reports that metal prongs broke off and stuck in power outlets, creating a risk of electric shock. Apple said it will exchange the ultra-compact USB adapters for a redesigned model, without charge, in retail stores and online starting Oct. 10. In the meantime, iPhone 3G users should stop using it. Apple said iPhone 3G owners should use its standard USB power adapter, which has fold-up prongs, or charge the device by plugging it into a computer. An Apple spokeswoman could not say exactly how many adapters have broken in this way. Adapters with a green dot on the bottom do not need to be replaced, Apple said. (AP)

Schering-Plough Corp. said it will fire 1,000 sales representatives, or 20 percent of its sales force, after prescriptions for its Vytorin and Zetia cholesterol pills fell by one-third this year. The job cuts are part of companywide reductions disclosed this year to save $1.5 billion in costs by 2012. The firings will take effect Oct. 1 and reduce the number of sales reps to 4,000. (Bloomberg)

SLM Corp., the biggest US educational lender, said C.E. Andrews, the company's president and former chief executive, will leave at the end of the month. Andrews will receive a $500,000 bonus for "year-to-date achievement of individual performance goals" and a cash payment of $2.5 million in recognition of five years of service, said Sallie Mae in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (Bloomberg)

MillerCoors says it's going to put plans for a new caffeine-infused alcoholic energy drink on hold pending talks with the 25 states that asked the company not to release the beverage. MillerCoors said it won't go ahead with its scheduled Oct. 1 launch of Sparks Red. Attorneys general from 25 states say adding caffeine to alcoholic beverages reduces drinkers' sense of intoxication and young people are especially vulnerable. (AP)