Data from two clinical studies submitted for FDA review show that 'Casodex' 150mg is the first anti-androgen as monotherapy to offer men a more acceptable alternative to the currently available options of surgical or medical castration, both of which have significant quality of life issues. Quality of life data indicate there are significant improvements in maintenance of sexual interest and in physical capacity in comparison with those patients who had castration, making 'Casodex' 150mg monotherapy a suitable treatment for men with earlier stage disease.

"In the US, a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every three minutes. This potential new indication for 'Casodex' will strengthen the profile of a medicine already proven to be a valuable treatment option for patients with advanced prostate cancer”, said Dr George Blackledge, Vice President, Medical Director of Oncology.

'Casodex' as a 50mg once-daily tablet was first introduced in 1995 as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer in combination with an LHRH analogue or surgical castration. 'Casodex' 150mg monotherapy has already been approved by the regulatory authorities in several countries including the UK and Sweden and further approvals are expected in 2000.

'Casodex' is the world's leading brand of anti-androgen. It is now available in over 70 markets worldwide with sales in 1999 of $340 million.

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $15 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products.