Biogen, Elan Face Wrongful Death Suit

A Colorado widower whose wife died after participating in a clinical trial for one of Biogen Idec’s multiple sclerosis drugs has sued the company, saying his wife “didn’t have to die.”

The wrongful death suit filed on behalf of Walter Smith, of Colorado Springs, also named Cambridge, Mass.,-based Biogen Idec’s partner, Elan Pharmaceuticals of Ireland.

Smith’s wife, Anita, 46, died of the rare brain disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after taking part in a clinical trial of the drug, Tysabri. She was one of two patients who died from the disease, prompting the two companies to pull Tysabri from the market this year.

A spokesman for Biogen Idec declined to comment.