Astra and APLP file lawsuit against Kudco and Schwarz Ph

ASTRA AND ASTRA PHARMACEUTICALS, L.P. FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST KUDCO AND SCHWARZ PHARMA Astra AB and Astra Pharmaceuticals, L.P. (APLP) filed lawsuit yesterday in Wisconsin U.S. against Kremers Urban Development Company (KUDCO) and Schwarz Pharma Inc. The lawsuit is a result of an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) filed by KUDCO with the FDA concerning its intent to market generic omeprazole products in the U.S. after the expiration of the substance patent, which occurs in April, 2001. The antisecretory prescription drug omeprazole is marketed in the ® U.S. by APLP under the brand name Prilosec and is marketed internationally by ® Astra as Losec . The basis of Astra's and APLP's complaint is that KUDCO's and Schwarz Pharma's action infringes upon several other patents relating to Prilosec, which provide protection to the year 2014. Those other patents include coverage for formulations, as well as methods for using Prilosec. Astra and APLP intend to fully enforce the patent rights and are steadfast in their beliefs that all of the patents are valid. Contact persons: Staffan Ternby, Vice President, PR & Information, Astra AB, +46 8 553 261 07 Mikael Widell, Press Officer, PR & Information, Astra AB, +46 8 553 264 28 Michael Olsson, Manager, Investor Relations, Astra AB, +46 8 553 259 52 Jörgen Winroth, Investor Relations U.S., Astra AB,+1 609 896 4148 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/12/19990212BIT00080/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/02/12/19990212BIT00080/bit0002.pdf