Elan Corporation PLC - Subsidiary Launches Zanaflex

RNS No 7104j
ELAN CORPORATION PLC
10th September 1997

                      ZANAFLEX TO BE LAUNCHED IN THE UK                       
                                                                              
      First new oral treatment for spasticity in the UK in over 20 years      

DUBLIN, IRELAND, September 10, 1997 -- Elan Corporation plc ("Elan") (NYSE: 
ELN) announced today that its holly-owned subsidiary, Athena Neurosciences
(Europe) Ltd. will launch Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride) to neurologists
and rehabilitation specialists in the United Kingdom (U.K.).  Zanaflex was
granted a product licence by the Medicines Control Agency in June of 1997.

Zanaflex is the first new oral pharmaceutical product for the treatment of
spasticity in the U.K. for more than twenty years and will be available for
prescription in October 1997.  Spasticity is an abnormal increase in
involuntary muscle tone caused by damage to the central nervous system.  It is
characterised by muscle stiffness and rigidity and is often accompanied by
painful muscle spasms.

Zanaflex is indicated in the United Kingdom for the treatment of spasticity
associated with multiple sclerosis or with spinal cord injury or disease and
that in controlled clinical trials it does not adversely affect muscle
strength.  "The relief of spasticity coupled with the lack of effect on muscle
strength mean that Zanaflex should improve the quality of life for many
patients suffering from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury or disease,"
commented Dr. Dai Rowley-Jones, Managing Director of Athena Neurosciences
(Europe) Ltd.

"The introduction of Zanaflex in the U.K. marks the achievement of the first
milestone in our strategy to expand Elans neurological presence to key markets
outside the United States," said John Groom, Elans President and Chief
Operation Officer.

Tizanidine hydrochloride was licensed in 1991 from Sandoz Pharma Ltd., which
first introduced this product in 1984.  Currently marketed in over 45
countries, tizanidine has a well-established clinical profile.  Elan markets
Zanaflex in the United States and is also pursuing regulatory approval of
Zanaflex in Canada and Ireland.

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 Exchange.

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

Contact:        John Groom
                President & Chief Operating Officer
                Ph:  353-1-709-4000

                Dr. Dai Rowley-Jones
                Managing Director, Athena Neurosciences (Europe) Ltd
                Ph:  44-1438-730-200

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


END

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