19th Dec 2006 15:48
AstraZeneca PLC19 December 2006 EPO Announces European Nexium(R) Substance Patent Decision AstraZeneca today announced that the European Patent Office (EPO) has ruled thatone of the European substance patents for Nexium(R) (EP 0652872) will berejected, following an appeal from the German generic manufacturer Ratiopharm.The original patent expiry for this patent was 2014. While disappointed with the EPO decision, AstraZeneca has confidence in theintellectual property portfolio protecting Nexium(R). This portfolio includesprocess, method of use and additional substance patents with expiration datesranging from 2009 through to 2019. In addition to these patents Nexium has dataexclusivity valid to 2010 in major European markets. Process patent (EP 0773940) is under opposition with the EPO and an OppositionDivision oral hearing is scheduled for 7th March 2007. AstraZeneca will defend and enforce its intellectual property rights protectingNexium. Worldwide sales reached $4.6 billion in 2005. Europe accounted for $1.1 billion. 19th December 2006 For further information contact: Media Enquiries:Steve Brown, +44 207 304 5033Edel McCaffrey, +44 207 304 5034 Investor Enquiries:Jonathan Hunt, +44 207 304 5087Mina Blair, +44 20 7304 5084Ed Seage, +1 302 886 4065Jorgen Winroth, +1 212 579 0506 -Ends- This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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