Wonder drug: Elan said it planned to break even on an Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) basis this year due to the return of its multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri.

Revenue from the drug is expected to hit $500m this year. The drug was withdrawn in 2005 after patient deaths.

The mighty Quinn: The Quinn Group con"rmed it would continue with its takeover of health insurer Bupa's Irish business even though the government rushed through legislation to close a loophole that could have saved it tens of millions of euro in risk equalisation payments. The company looks set to take the government to court over the law, which was put through the Dail late on Wednesday night.

In-"ight turbulence: Transport minister Martin Cullen con"rmed that he was seeking details of apparent dangerous landing approaches made by Ryanair from his British counterparts. The company said the minister should "leave aviation safety to the professionals". Meanwhile, Aer Lingus continued to prepare for possible strike action over its cost-cutting plans.