Omeprazole Patent Decision

AstraZeneca PLC
6 March 2002


ASTRAZENECA TO SEEK LEAVE TO APPEAL OMEPRAZOLE PATENT DECISION IN UK COURT


AstraZeneca today announced that it will seek leave to appeal against a decision
by the Patents Court of the High Court of Justice's Chancery Division in London
that two of its formulation patents for omeprazole, the active ingredient in
Losec, are invalid following legal challenges by two UK-based generic
pharmaceutical companies.


The Court handed down its written judgment in the cases concerning patents (EP
247 983 and EP 496 437) brought by Cairnstores Limited and Generics (UK)
Limited. The cases, which involved each generic company challenging both
patents, were not consolidated and were heard at the same time before the same
judge during mid-February.


Losec is a treatment for stomach acid disorders.  Sales in the UK account for 4
per cent of AstraZeneca's worldwide sales of the product.


Dr. Martin Nicklasson, Executive Vice-President, GI Franchise of AstraZeneca,
said: 'We are disappointed by this judgment and remain confident that the
decision can be overturned in our favour on appeal'


Losec is a trademark of The AstraZeneca Group.


Date:  6 March 2002


Media Enquiries:

Emily Denney, Tel: [phone]

Steve Brown, Tel: [phone]


Investor Relations:

Mina Blair Robinson, Tel: [phone]

Jorgen Winroth, Tel:  [phone]



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