ELAN has won provisional approval for the epilepsy drug Carbatrol. The drug, which was developed by Shire Laboratories, will be marketed by Elan's subsidiary Athena Neurosciences. Final approval will be given when labelling and other manufacturing and control issues have been sorted out.

The special capsule allows the drug to be taken just twice a day compared to the conventional three or four times. This reduces the risk of a seizure as a result of missing a dose.