AstraZeneca Initiates Phase III Trials

AstraZeneca is to progress to Phase III studies with its novel oncology compound, ZACTIMA. Recruitment to Phase III studies evaluating the anti-tumour activity of ZACTIMA in non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, will begin in the next few months.

ZACTIMA is a unique once-daily oral therapy that selectively targets key signalling pathways in cancer including: vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, receptor signalling resulting in inhibition of tumour angiogenesis; and epidermal growth factor receptor signalling which may lead to direct inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and survival. ZACTIMA also inhibits RET kinase which may be important in certain tumours.

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. The company has a leading position within sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience and respiratory products. AstraZeneca has more than 50.000 employees worldwide with Research & Development centers of excellence in Sweden, UK and the USA. Some 10.000 people are employed within R&D, 25.000 people within sales and marketing and 12.000 people in production in 20 countries.

For further information please contact:

Staffan Ternby,

Information director

Tel: +46 08 553 261 07

Email: staffan.ternby@astrazeneca.com

Or visit: http://www.astrazeneca.com