Astra Merck Prilosec
Executive Summary
Firm asserts patent protection for proton pump inhibitor through 2014 in suits filed against Andrx and Genpharm. The generic companies have filed ANDAs for omeprazole seeking to market versions of the world's top-selling drug when the basic substance patent expires in April 2001. Astra Merck, however, maintains that "the actions of Andrx and Genpharm infringe upon several other patents relating to Prilosec" which "include coverage for formulations as well as methods for using Prilosec"