Injunction Upheld

ASTRAZENECA PLC
19 August 1999


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:

Michael Olsson, tel [phone]    
Elizabeth Sutton, tel [phone]
Jorgen Winroth, tel [phone]