Astrazeneca - interlocutory injunction in Germany to prevent marketing of a generic omeprazole product upheld

ASTRAZENECA - INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION IN GERMANY TO PREVENT MARKETING OF A GENERIC OMEPRAZOLE PRODUCT UPHELD AstraZeneca today announced that an Appeal Court has upheld a previously granted interlocutory injunction in Germany based on AstraZeneca's formulation patents. The injunction prevents Ratiopharm GmbH and Merckle GmbH from marketing a generic omeprazole product. Omeprazole is the substance used in ® Losec . "The Appeal Court's decision supports AstraZeneca's view that the generic industry uses AstraZeneca's patented technology. We are convinced that many more companies market this product and we are currently pursuing further actions in Germany," says Dr. Martin Nicklasson, Executive Vice President GI Franchise. The substance patent for omeprazole began expiring in the first countries in 1999. In most countries, AstraZeneca has been granted Patent Term Extensions or Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs). This extended coverage for the substance expires in the USA in 2001, in most European countries in 2002- 2004, and in Japan in 2004. The product is also protected by patents directed to formulations, uses, intermediates and processes. Further Enquiries: Media: Mikael Widell, tel +46 8 553 264 28 Lucy Williams, tel +44 171 304 5034 Investor Relations: Michael Olsson, tel +44 171 304 5087 Elizabeth Sutton, tel +44 171 304 5101 Jörgen Winroth, tel +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/1999/08/19/19990819BIT00220/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/08/19/19990819BIT00220/bit0002.pdf