AstraZeneca submits first regulatory application for Symbicort

12/15/1999 5:33 AM EST

ASTRAZENECA SUBMITS FIRST REGULATORY APPLICATION FOR ITS NEW ASTHMA
MEDICATION SYMBICORT VIA EUROPEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION

AstraZeneca today announced that the regulatory application for Symbicort@
, budesonide and formoterol in a single inhaler (Turbuhaler@) for
maintenance therapy in asthma, has been submitted to the authorities in
Sweden as the first step in the European Union's mutual recognition
procedure. Applications for the new product will follow in early 2000 in
further countries.

The new product combines the proven benefits of the anti-inflammatory drug
budesonide (Pulmicort@) with the rapid and long-acting bronchodilator
formoterol (Oxis@) in a single inhaler to improve compliance and
convenience for the patient.

"The use of these products in different combinations has shown
outstanding asthma control when compared with the use of an anti-
inflammatory compound alone. The new medication will provide patients with
both rapid relief and long-term control of the disease," said
Dr Colin Reddrop, Vice President & Head, Respiratory & Inflammation R&D.

"This is a significant milestone for AstraZeneca's business in the
respiratory area."

AstraZeneca PLC is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the
world based on sales and is a therapeutic leader in gastrointestinal,
oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central
nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. AstraZeneca PLC is a major
$15.8 billion international bioscience business engaged in the research,
development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription)
pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, and the supply of healthcare
services.

Further enquiries:
Steve Brown, tel: +44 171 304 5033Lucy Williams, tel: +44 171 304 5034
Mikael Widell, tel: +44 171 304 5030