AZN Astrazeneca Plc

RNS Number:9063W
AstraZeneca PLC
9 January 2001



GENERIC CHALLENGE TO LOSEC WITHDRAWN IN CANADA

AstraZeneca today announced that the Canadian Federal Court has ordered that
the proceedings against Genpharm Inc, are deemed to be withdrawn, following
the earlier rejection of a regulatory application by Genpharm for generic
omeprazole, thus rendering the court proceedings moot.

In March 1999, Genpharm Inc, advised it was seeking regulatory approval in
Canada to market generic omeprazole capsules and made allegations with respect
to AstraZeneca's patents.  AstraZeneca responded by filing lawsuits that
disputed Genpharm's allegations.  In October 2000, the Canadian regulatory
authority rejected Genpharm's regulatory application for its generic
omeprazole product.

For several years, various companies have sought to market generic omeprazole
in Canada.  AstraZeneca has successfully asserted its patent rights for its
Losec product and no generic product has reached the market to date.

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the
research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription)
pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services.   It is one of the top
five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over USD15
billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology,
anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system
(CNS) and respiratory products. 

9 January 2001

Further enquiries to:
Michael Olsson       Tel +44 (0)20 7304 5087        
Ed Seage             Tel +44 (0)20 7304 5101
Jorgen Winroth       Tel +1 609 896 4148

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