Astra and Astra Pharmaceuticals file lawsuit against Cheminor

ASTRA AB AND ASTRA PHARMACEUTICALS, L.P. (APLP) FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST CHEMINOR DRUGS, LTD AND REDDY CHEMINOR INC. Astra AB and Astra Pharmaceuticals, L.P. (APLP) filed a lawsuit yesterday in New Jersey against Cheminor Drugs, Ltd. and Reddy Cheminor Inc. for patent infringement. The lawsuit is a result of an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) filed by Reddy Cheminor Inc. with the FDA concerning its intent to market a generic omeprazole product in the US. The antisecretory drug omeprazole is marketed in the US 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 the action by Reddy Cheminor infringes upon several patents relating to Prilosec® , which provide protection to the year 2014. Those patents include coverage for the basic substance omeprazole, as well as for formulations and for methods for using Prilosec®. Astra and APLP intend to fully enforce its patent rights and are steadfast in their belief that all of the patents are valid. Further Enquiries: Media: Mikael Widell, tel +46 8 553 264 28 Chris Major, tel +44 171 304 5028 +46 70 311 99 60 Rachel Bloom, tel +1 302 886 7858 Investor Relations: Michael Olsson, tel +46 8 553 259 52 Elizabeth Sutton, tel +44 171 304 5101 Jörgen Winroth, tel +1 609 896 4148 Ed Seage, tel +1 302 886 4065 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/04/21/19990421BIT00020/bit0001.pdf http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/04/21/19990421BIT00020/bit0002.doc