43AI Rolls-r 24

RNS No 6794r
ELAN CORPORATION PLC
2nd October 1997
                                                                              
                         ELAN CORPORATION PLC (ELAN)                          
                                                                              
               FDA GRANTS MARKETING AUTHORIZATION FOR CARBATROL               
                                                                              
      - Extended Release Capsules Offer Increased Control to Patients -       



DUBLIN, IRELAND/ANDOVER, U.K., October 2, 1997 - Elan Corporation, plc
("Elan") (NYSE:ELN), and Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc ("Shire") (LSE:SHP)
announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has authorized
the marketing of Carbatrol (carbamazepine extended-release capsules). 
Carbatrol is indicated for use as an anticonvulsant in patients with epilepsy
and for the treatment of pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.  Shire has
previously entered into an exclusive, worldwide license for Carbatrol with
Elans wholly-owned subsidiary, Athena Neurosciences, Inc.

Carbatrol is a specially formulated extended-release sprinkle capsule which
utilizes Shires proprietary Microtrol technology to allow carbamazepine to be
administered in a twice-a-day dosage regimen, compared to the conventional
administration of three or four doses per day of the immediate release tablet
form.  Carbamazepine is one of the principal medications used as first line
therapy to control epileptic seizures and has been approved in the United
States for treatment of these conditions for over twenty years.  

It has been reported that many breakthrough seizures in patients with epilepsy
can be attributed to missed or forgotten doses of their medication. 
Simplification of the dosage, especially the elimination of the need of a
mid-day dose, offers clinical benefits in compliance as well as patient
convenience.  John Groom, Elans President and Chief Operating Officer,
commented, "We believe that the sprinkle-cap technology utilized by Carbatrol
represents a significant advance to the people who take this medication and
will be an important addition to Elans growing line of treatments for
epilepsy.  We anticipate being in a position to supply Carbatrol to
wholesalers in the first quarter of 1998, and to commence marketing through
our newly formed Elan Pharma sales force at that time."

Rolf Stahel, Chief Executive of Shire, noted, "The approval of Carbatrol
represents a major milestone for Shire and demonstrates the scientific and
clinical validity of our Microtrol technology.  We look forward to working
with Elan to ensure a successful introduction of Shires first U.S. product."

Carbatrol is the second anti-convulsant to have recently cleared the FDA
review process which Elan will market through its specialty Elan Pharma field
force.  The first, Diastat (diazepam rectal gel), received FDA clearance on
July 27th, and is expected to be available in pharmacies in mid-October. 
Elans third anti-convulsant, Zonisamide, is currently under review at the FDA.

Elan Corporation, plc is a leading worldwide drug delivery and
biopharmaceutical company with its principal research and manufacturing
facilities in Ireland, the United States and Israel.  Elans shares trade on
the New York, London and Dublin Stock Exchanges.

Shire Pharmaceutical Group plc is an emerging, international, pharmaceutical
company specializing in the development, licensing and marketing of
prescription medicines for the treatment of bone diseases such as osteoporosis
and central nervous system disorders, particularly Alzheimers disease.

Except for historical information, the statements in this press release may
include forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties, including product demand, market acceptance and pricing of
Carbatrol, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC
reports filed by Elan, including its report on 20-F, for the year ended
December 31,1996.

Contact:
Mary Bingham
Director, Investor Relations
Elan
Ph: 212-755-3218

Tina Moyce
Group Communications Manager
Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc
Ph: 44-126-433-3455

Krystyna Belendiuk, Ph.D
Senior VP, Business Development
Shire Laboratories Inc.
Ph: 301-838-2680


END

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