New Agreement Between Astra And Schering-plough

12/8/1998 8:43 AM EST

NEW AGREEMENT BETWEEN ASTRA AND SCHERING-PLOUGH REGARDING RIGHTS TO IMDUR® IN
THE U.S.

For some time Schering-Plough has been marketing the drug isosorbide-
5-mononitrate, with the trademark Imdur, in the U.S. market under license from
Astra. The product is used in the treatment of angina pectoris. This agreement
was valid until 2004. A new agreement has now been reached which entails that
Schering-Plough will receive an extension and broadening of the marketing
rights to isosorbide-5-mononitrate in the U.S.

Contact persons:

Staffan Ternby, Vice President, PR & Information, Astra AB, +46 8 553 261 07
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