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3 January 2002
ASTRAZENECA COMPLETES EUROPEAN UNION MUTUAL RECOGNITION PROCEDURE FOR OXIS® TURBUHALER® *

AstraZeneca announced today that it has successfully completed the Mutual Recognition Procedure (MRP) on 21 December 2001 for the use of Oxis® Turbuhaler® (formoterol) as a maintenance treatment for asthma in children (6 years and older) in 14 European Union (EU) states. **

Oxis Turbuhaler is an effective beta2-agonist with a fast onset of bronchodilation (within 1-3 minutes) and a long duration of action (more than 12 hours). It is used to relieve broncho-obstructive symptoms and should be taken in addition to inhaled corticosteroids. Oxis has been shown to improve lung function and asthma symptoms in children not adequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroids alone. The rapid onset of action means that patients experience an immediate symptom relief.

“With the approval of Oxis Turbuhaler for use in children we are very pleased to be able to provide paediatricians and GPs with the new effective treatment option. Oxis not only improves the quality of life of the children, but also that of the parents,” said Dr. Colin Reddrop, AstraZeneca Vice-President and Head of Respiratory and Inflammation Research and Development (R&D).

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.

Further enquires to:

Media Relations

Emily Denney
+44 (0)20 7304 5034


Investor Relations

Mina Blair-Robinson
+44 (0)20 7304 5084

Jorgen Winroth
+1 609 896 4148


*Revised: 07 January 2002

**Through the MRP, the following countries will now issue local marketing licenses for their respective territories: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, UK, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, Luxemburg


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