A group of people

Glossary of terms

E

Earnings per Share (EPS)

Profit for the year after tax and minority interests, divided by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the year.

EEA

European Economic Area.

Efficacy

The benefi cial effect of a drug.

EFPIA

European Federation for Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations.

EMEA

The European Medicines Agency.

Epidemiological

Relating to the study of incidences, distribution, control and prevention of diseases in populations.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptor

A protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor.

EU

European Union.

Exceptional items

Significantly large items that are distinct in nature from items normally occurring during ordinary business activities.

Excipient

An inactive substance that serves as the vehicle or medium for a drug or other active substance.

Extrapyramidal

Relating to nerve pathways that link nerve nuclei in the surface of the cerebrum (main mass of the brain), basal ganglia (deep within the brain) and parts of the brain stem.