Generic Nexium Blocked In US

(RTTNews) - Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., India's second-largest drugmaker, Tuesday said sales of its generic version of Nexium has been blocked in the U.S.

U.K.-based drug maker AstraZeneca (AZN.L, AZN) moved to the US district court seeking a halt in the sales of Dr. Reddy's generic version of Nexium as the usage of purple color in the pill infringed Astra's trademarks.

Nexium or chemically known as esomeprazole is a drug taken to control heartburn and treat gastric diseases. Astra Zeneca has been marketing it as the "purple pill," however, Dr.Reddy's launched its generic version on 25 September.

"An order passed by the District Court of Delaware, granting Temporary Retraining Order with immediate effect on sales, delivery, transfer or other disposition of its generic esomeprazole product in the US market", Dr Reddy's said in a statement.