Schwarz Pharma and Elan Announce US Launch of Verelan PM; New CODAS Technology Permits Controlled-Onset Delivery of Hypertension Drug.

MEQUON, Wis./DUBLIN, Ireland--(BW HealthWire)--March 22, 1999-- Schwarz Pharma, Inc. (ADR:SWPHY) ("Schwarz") and Elan Corporation, plc. (NYSE:ELN) ("Elan") today announced the launch of Verelan(R) PM (verapamil HCl), a controlled-onset extended-release formulation for the management of essential hypertension.

"Verapamil is already a widely-used anti-hypertensive agent with well-established blood pressure lowering effects and a favorable safety profile," said Dr. Klaus Veitinger, President, Schwarz Pharma, Inc. "However, unlike immediate- and sustained-release dosage forms of verapamil, Verelan PM uses CODAS - Chronotherapeutic Oral Drug Absorption System - a proprietary technology developed by Elan. Verelan PM, using the CODAS technology, provides 24-hour blood pressure control. Through a controlled onset of drug delivery, the drug peaks in the early morning hours when there is a natural rise in blood pressure."

Clinical studies of the body's normal circadian rhythm or natural 24-hour clock show that blood pressure increases in the early morning in all individuals as they awaken and begin daily activities.

"Although the clinical significance of blunting an early-morning rise in blood pressure has not been established, the medical community is showing interest in this Chronotherapeutic approach to hypertensive therapy," said Veitinger. "By complementing the circadian rhythm of blood pressure, Elan's CODAS technology as used in Verelan PM takes an exciting approach to the treatment of hypertension."

Verelan PM is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects commonly associated with verapamil. One of the most frequently reported side effects was constipation, reported by 8.8% of patients at all dosage levels (3.9% in those taking the usual dose of 200 mg). Constipation is typically mild and easily managed. Other commonly reported side effects include headache, peripheral edema and dizziness.(1)

The product launch coincides with the presentation of Verelan PM data using Elan's CODAS technology at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics in San Antonio, TX.

Schwarz Pharma, Inc., based in Mequon, WI, is the US affiliate of Schwarz Pharma AG, an international pharmaceutical company with global headquarters in Monheim, Germany. With proven expertise in the areas of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and urologic medication, the Company is dedicated to the global search and development of new drug therapies in all areas that address unmet medical needs. Shares are traded on the Frankfurt and Dusseldorf stock exchanges.

Elan is the leading worldwide specialty pharmaceutical company, with its principal research and manufacturing facilities located in Ireland, the United States and Israel. Elan's shares trade on the New York, London and Dublin stock exchanges.

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