The prime focus of this programme will be the establishment of the AstraZeneca Innovation Centre China. The company has initiated a comprehensive search for an appropriate location for the Innovation Centre, which will be operational by the end of 2009. The Centre will focus on translational science by developing knowledge about Chinese patients, biomarkers and genetics. The initial therapeutic area for the Innovation Centre will be cancer, which is a major cause of death in China.

In addition, AstraZeneca will expand its clinical research capabilities and is looking this year to increase the number of scientific collaborations with local Chinese organisations. AstraZeneca has recently signed a deal worth $14 million with Wuxi Pharmatech for Compound Collection Synthesis and has an existing collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University on the genetics of schizophrenia.

“With China’s rapid economic growth and increasing demand for better healthcare, China has become one of the most important emerging markets for AstraZeneca and will be important to our future success.” said David Brennan, CEO of AstraZeneca PLC. “We fully support China’s national focus on innovation by substantially increasing our R&D investment, both in financial terms and in terms of scientific collaboration.“

“AstraZeneca welcomes and supports the Chinese government’s continuing policy to recognize investment in knowledge transfer and R&D innovation by strengthening IP protection, and ensuring timely market access for Chinese patients to innovative products, at prices which recognise the value of innovation.“

AstraZeneca has become the leading multinational company in China by building a network of marketing and sales offices, a manufacturing site and fostering clinical research. AstraZeneca, which now has 2,200 employees locally, was the first multinational pharmaceutical company to include China as an area for large-scale international multi-centre trials and establish a clinical research centre there. AstraZeneca has long been dedicated to strengthening collaborations with local academic and medical institutions.

To further demonstrate its commitment to being “In China, For China”, AstraZeneca is partnering with government organisations and industry associations to develop academic and management knowledge among medical professionals and hospital executives. AstraZeneca has also initiated a number of programmes on disease education and public health. At the same time, AstraZeneca is committed to being a good corporate citizen by fulfilling important social responsibilities. AstraZeneca has a strong commitment to core values that are founded on good business practices and compliance. AstraZeneca supports the government in striving for integrity in the healthcare system.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in research, development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and supplier for healthcare services. AstraZeneca is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of US $23.95 billion and is a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection product sales. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

AstraZeneca China has its headquarters in Shanghai, with branch offices in more than 20 cities across mainland China. The manufacturing plant located in Wuxi, Jiangsu province was inaugurated in 2001. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com.cn.

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May 26, 2006

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