The Court handed down its written judgment in the cases concerning patents (EP 247 983 and EP 496 437) brought by Cairnstores Limited and Generics (UK) Limited. The cases, which involved each generic company challenging both patents, were not consolidated and were heard at the same time before the same judge during mid-February.

Losec is a treatment for stomach acid disorders. Sales in the UK account for 4 per cent of AstraZeneca’s worldwide sales of the product.

Dr. Martin Nicklasson, Executive Vice-President, GI Franchise of AstraZeneca, said: “We are disappointed by this judgment and remain confident that the decision can be overturned in our favour on appeal”