Elan Corp. and American Cyanamid Co. have withdrawn theirmotion for a preliminary injunction to prevent Ciba-Geigy Corp.from marketing its transdermal nicotine patch.

Elan and its marketing partner, Cyanamid, have filed patentinfringement suits in New Jersey against Ciba-Geigy and inCalifornia against Alza Corp. and its marketing partner, MarionMerrell Dow Inc.

A Cyanamid spokesman on Thursday said the lifting of arestraining order against sales of the Alza patch last weekprecluded any claim that sales by Ciba-Geigy would causeirreparable damages to Elan and Cyanamid.

Alza shares (AMEX:AZA) gained 88 cents to $45.38. Apreviously announced 2-for-1 split of Alza's common stockbecame effective after the close of trading on Wednesday.

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