AstraZeneca sues Ranbaxy over Nexium infringement

AstraZeneca is suing Indian pharmaceutical firm Ranbaxy Laboratories in an attempt to prevent in from launching a generic version of its top-selling ulcer pill Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium).

With worldwide sales of $3.9 billion and a US patent until 2018, AstraZeneca is eager to protect production of the drug.

Ranbaxy applied to US regulators to launch a generic version of the heartburn and anti-ulcerant pill in October.

The move to sue the company automatically puts Ranbaxy’s application for a licence on hold for 30 months or until a court decision.

“AstraZeneca has full confidence in and will continue vigorously to defend and enforce its intellectual property rights protecting Nexium,” the Anglo-Swedish firm said in a statement.

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