A
- Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA)
A marketing approval application for a generic drug submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration.
- ACE (Inhibitor)
A class of drugs that is used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, which work by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II.
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
An umbrella term used to cover any group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischaemia.
- Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)
A molecule that plays an important role in energy transfer in cells.
- Adjuvant
An agent that modifi es the effect of other agents (for example drugs and vaccines) while having few if any direct effects when given by itself; it operates like a catalyst in chemical reactions.
- Adjuvant therapy
Treatment given as an adjunct to another medical intervention, for example surgery.
- ADR
American Depositary Receipt evidencing title to an ADS.
- ADS
American Depositary Share representing one underlying Ordinary Share.
- Adverse reaction
An unwanted, negative consequence associated with the use of a medicine.
- Agonist
A substance capable of binding to a molecular target to initiate or enhance a physiological reaction.
- Allergic rhinitis
An allergic reaction to airborne substances such as pollen or dust.
- Alzheimer’s disease
A group of disorders causing deterioration of the brain, which affects one’s memory and reasoning capabilities.
- Anaesthesia
The total or partial loss of sensation, especially in relation to pain.
- Analgesia
The inability to feel pain whilst conscious.
- Angina
Chest pain/discomfort caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscles through reduced blood fl ow in the coronary arteries.
- Angiogenesis
A physiological process in which new blood vessels grow from pre-existing vessels.
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)
Converts a hormone called angiotensin to its activated form called angiotensin II, enabling it to function. Angiotensin II acts by narrowing the diameter of the blood vessels and thereby raises blood pressure.
- Angiotensin II
A hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and thereby raises blood pressure.
- Ankylosing spondylitis
A degenerative inflammatory disease affecting the spine and causing chronic pain.
- Antagonist
A substance capable of binding to a molecular target to neutralise or counteract a physiological reaction.
- Anti-androgen
A drug that blocks the cellular uptake of testosterone by the prostate gland and used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
- Anti-psychotic drug
A drug for the treatment of depression or mania.
- Aromatase inhibitor
A drug that inhibits the enzyme, aromatase, which is involved in the production of
the female sex hormone, oestrogen and therefore is used in the treatment of breast cancer.- AstraZeneca or AstraZeneca Group
AstraZeneca PLC and its subsidiaries.
- Atherosclerosis
The progressive narrowing or hardening of the arteries linked to the build-up of
lipids (fats) in the arterial walls and the formation of atheromatous plaque.- Atherosclerotic plaque
A build up of cholesterol and fatty material in the walls of blood vessels as a consequence of atherosclerosis.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF)
Abnormal irregular heart rhythm.
- Atypical Anti-Psychotic Drugs
Second generation drugs to treat psychosis with reduced likelihood to cause movement disorders.