ASTRAZENECA AND SCHERING AG ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION AND LICENSING AGREEMENT IN THE AREA OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS

Schering AG possesses an advanced collection of identified SEGRAs, which have potential utility in a number of disease areas. AstraZeneca and Schering will undertake a joint research and development programme up to the end of Phase I clinical trials aimed at identifying novel SEGRA’s.

Under the terms of the three-year agreement, AstraZeneca will have an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and market compounds for rheumatoid and respiratory diseases while Schering will have an exclusive, worldwide license to all other indications. Schering will receive upfront fees, with both parties having the potential to benefit from downstream milestone payments and royalties. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“This collaboration represents a great opportunity for both companies to combine their respective strengths and expertise in this exciting area of research in a way that is mutually beneficial,” commented Rodger McMillan, Vice President Respiratory & Inflammation Research Area at AstraZeneca.

”The collaboration with AstraZeneca is an excellent opportunity for us to fully explore the potential of SEGRAs and capitalize on the full value of these compounds”, said Dr. Khusru Asadullah, Head of Inflammation Research for Schering AG.

Further enquiries to:

Media Enquiries:
Edel McCaffrey, Tel: +44 (0) 207 304 5034
Steve Brown, Tel: +44 (0) 207 304 5033

Investor Enquiries:
Mina Blair, Tel: +44 (0) 207 304 5084
Jonathan Hunt, Tel: +44 (0) 207 304 5087
Ed Seage, Tel: +1 302 886 4065
Jorgen Winroth, Tel + 1 212 579 0506





About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of over $21.4 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, oncology and neuroscience products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

About Schering
Schering AG is a research-based pharmaceutical company. Its activities are focused on four business areas: Gynecology & Andrology, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging as well as Specialized Therapeutics for disabling diseases. As a global player with innovative products Schering AG aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. With in-house R&D and supported by an excellent global network of external partners, Schering AG is securing a promising product pipeline. Using new ideas, Schering AG aims to make a recognized contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life: making medicine work.