Astra gains approval for Muse across Europe

12/11/1998 7:37 AM EST

ASTRA GAINS APPROVAL FOR MUSE® ACROSS EUROPE

MUSE, a new local therapy for the treatment of impotence (erectile
dysfunction), was granted European Union mutual recognition approval on
December 1. The product has so far been launched in five countries, including
Sweden and the U.K.

A European study found MUSE to be effective in 64 percent of men with organic
1
erectily dysfunction (impotence due to physical causes) . A large U.S. study
2
also reported that MUSE is effective and well-tolerated .

Astra has exclusive marketing and distribution rights to MUSE in Europe,
Australia, New Zealand, South America and a number of other countries through
an agreement with VIVUS, Inc., California, U.S.

References:

Efficacy and safety of transurethral alprostadil therapy in men with erectile
dysfunction. British Journal of Urology. 1998; 81

Padma-Nathan H et al. Treatment of men with erectile dysfunction with
transurethral alprostadil. NEJM 1997; 336: 1-7

Contact persons:
Mikael Widell, Press Officer, PR & Information, Astra AB, +46 8 553 264 28
Michael Olsson, Manager, Investor Relations, Astra AB, +46 8 553 259 52
Jörgen Winroth, Investor Relations U.S., Astra AB, +1 609 896 4148