FORM 6-K


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Report of Foreign Issuer


Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For January 2008

Commission File Number:  001-11960

AstraZeneca PLC

15 Stanhope Gate, London W1K 1LN, England


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  X            Form 40-F  __

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):            

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ______

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes  __                No  X 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):   82-_____________
 
 
AstraZeneca PLC

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

1.
Press release entitled, “Transparency Directive Voting Rights and Capital”, dated 2 January 2008.

2.
Press release entitled, “Transaction by Person Discharging Managerial Responsibilities Disclosure Rules DTR 3.1.2R”, dated 8 January 2008.

3.
Press release entitled, “AstraZeneca Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2007”, dated 30 January 2008.

4.
Press release entitled, “AstraZeneca PLC Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2007” (front half), dated 31 January 2008.

5.
Press release entitled, “AstraZeneca PLC Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2007 – Consolidated Income Statement” (back half), dated 31 January 2008.

6.
Press release entitled, “AstraZeneca Development Pipeline 31 January 2008”, dated 31 January 2008.
   
7.
Press release entitled, “Transparency Directive Voting Rights and Capital”, dated 31 January 2008.

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

     
AstraZeneca PLC
  
           
Date:
05 February 2008
  
By:
 /s/ Justin Hoskins
  
       
Name:
Justin Hoskins
       
Title:
Deputy Company Secretary
 

 
 
Item 1


Transparency Directive
Voting Rights and Capital

The following notification is made in accordance with the UK Financial Services Authority Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5.6.1.   On 31 December 2007, the issued share capital of AstraZeneca PLC with voting rights is 1,457,000,853 ordinary shares of US$0.25.   No shares are held in Treasury. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in AstraZeneca PLC is 1,457,000,853.

The above figure for the total number of voting rights may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, AstraZeneca PLC under the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.


G H R Musker
Company Secretary
2 January 2008


 
Item 2


Transaction by Person Discharging Managerial Responsibilities
Disclosure Rules DTR 3.1.2R


We hereby inform you that on 31 December 2007, Dr John Patterson, a Director of AstraZeneca PLC and a person discharging managerial responsibilities, gave an irrevocable instruction to exercise options over 625 AstraZeneca PLC USD0.25 Ordinary Shares as follows:

- option over 374 shares at an option price of 1756 pence per share granted under the AstraZeneca Savings Related Share Option Scheme

- option over 251 shares at an option price of 2262 pence per share granted under the AstraZeneca Savings Related Share Option Plan.

We further inform you that the exercise date of these options was 4 January 2008.

Following these exercises Dr Patterson holds options over 236,091 AstraZeneca PLC UDS0.25 Ordinary Shares.

We confirm that Dr Patterson retained the 625 shares acquired and, as a result, his interest in shares has increased to 131,912 AstraZeneca PLC UDS0.25 Ordinary Shares, which represents approximately 0.009% of the current issued capital.


G H R Musker
Company Secretary
8 January 2008


 
Item 3

 
AstraZeneca Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2007

Tomorrow, Thursday, 31 January 2008, AstraZeneca will be releasing fourth quarter and full year results 2007 at 11:00GMT.

An analysts presentation covering the results will be held at 13:30gmt and can be joined, live, via teleconference on the following numbers: UK: 0800 559 3272, Sweden: 0200 887 737, US: 1 866 239 0753, International: +44 (0)20 7138 0823 .  These numbers, and details of the replay facility (available until 17:00gmt Friday, 15 February 2008) are available on the Investors section of the AstraZeneca website (www.astrazeneca.com).  A live webcast of the presentation will also be available on this site.
 

 
 
Item 4
 
AstraZeneca PLC
 
Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2007
 
“Earnings per share for the full year ahead of target. With the addition of six new molecules to the late stage pipeline during 2007, there are now 10 projects in Phase III development.”
 

Financial Highlights

Group
 
4th Quarter
2007
$m
4th Quarter
2006
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
  
Full Year
2007
$m
Full Year
2006
$m
Actual
%
CER
%
Sales
8,170
7,154
+14
+8
  
29,559
26,475
+12
+7
                   
Operating Profit
1,929
2,003
-4
-7
  
8,094
8,216
-1
-4
                   
Profit before Tax
1,837
2,103
-13
-16
  
7,983
8,543
-7
-9
                   
Earnings per Share
$0.86
$0.93
-7
-9
  
$3.74
$3.86
-3
-5
                   
EPS, excluding restructuring and synergy costs
$1.04
$0.93
+11
+10
  
$4.20
$3.86
+9
+7
 
Management also reports Core EPS, a supplemental non-IFRS measure which management believes useful to understanding the Company’s performance; it is upon this measure that financial guidance for 2008 is based.  See page 11 for a discussion of Core EPS and a reconciliation of 2007 Core EPS to reported EPS.

All narrative in this section refers to growth rates at constant exchange rates (CER).
 
·  
Sales for the full year increased 7 percent to $29,559 million.  The inclusion of MedImmune for seven months increased sales by 3 percent.  Excluding US sales of Toprol-XL™ from the current and the prior year, sales increased 10 percent.
·  
Full yearoperating profit excluding restructuring and synergy costs was up 8 percent.
·  
Earnings per share (excluding restructuring and synergy costs) were $4.20, ahead of the target of $3.98 to $4.13 per share.
·  
The acquisition of MedImmune was successfully completed in June 2007 establishing AstraZeneca as a leader in biotechnology among our pharmaceutical peers.
·  
Investment through the income statement in Research and Development increased for the full year to more than $5 billion. A record 36 new compounds were selected for development; 24 compounds progressed to first human exposure.  Six new compounds were added to the Phase III development pipeline in 2007, bringing the total to 10 projects.
·  
AstraZeneca expects to file licence applications for up to three new medicines in 2008. The Company believes its target to bring on average two new medicines to the market on an annual basis is achievable from 2010 onwards.
·  
Dividend increased by 9 percent to $1.87 for the full year.  Total cash distributions to shareholders increased by $444 million to $6,811 million.
 
David Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, said:  “The strong underlying results for the full year reflect our determined action in three priority areas: our pipeline is significantly stronger, with the acquisition of MedImmune creating a leading position in biologics; key product sales have been robust in major markets and we have achieved strong growth in the emerging markets; and productivity initiatives, including the restructuring programme, are progressing to plan.  I am confident that we are taking the right steps to better position AstraZeneca as we, and the industry, encounter increasingly challenging market conditions.”
 
London, 31 January 2008
 
Pictures of senior executives are available on www.newscast.co.uk.  Broadcast footage of AstraZeneca products and activities is available on www.thenewsmarket.com/astrazeneca.
 
Media Enquiries:
Steve Brown/Edel McCaffrey (London)
(020) 7304 5033/5034
 
Staffan Ternby (Södertälje)
(8) 553 26107
 
Earl Whipple (Wilmington)
(302) 885 8197
Analyst/Investor Enquiries:
Karl Hard/Jonathan Hunt (London)
(020) 7304 5322/5087
 
Staffan Ternby (Södertälje)
(8) 553 26107
 
Ed Seage/Jörgen Winroth (USA)
(302) 886 4065/(212) 579 0506
 
Peter Vozzo (MedImmune)
(301) 398 4358
 
 
Business Highlights All narrative in this section refers to growth rates at constant exchange rates (CER) unless otherwise indicated.
 
Full Year

Sales for the full year increased 7 percent at CER, or 12 percent on an as reported basis (including a 5 percent positive impact from currency movements). The contribution to sales growth from MedImmune more than offset the decline from Toprol-XL™ in the US.  Sales in the US were up 7 percent, and this was broadly similar to sales growth if Toprol-XL™ and MedImmune were excluded. Sales in the Rest of World were up 8 percent, comprising growth of 5 percent in Established Markets and 17 percent in Emerging Markets.

Operating profit for the full year was $8,094 million (down 4 percent).  Excluding restructuring and synergy costs, operating profit increased to $9,060 million (up 8 percent).  This operating profit improvement was net of a reported $1,187 million increase in R&D investment, and was fuelled by revenue growth, improved gross margin and lower expenditures in SG&A on a constant currency basis.  Restructuring and synergy benefits of $300 million were realised during the year.

Reported earnings per share for the full year were $3.74 compared with $3.86 in 2006.  Stripping out restructuring and synergy costs, the Company delivered earnings per share of $4.20 compared with the Company’s EPS guidance of $3.98 to $4.13 on the same basis.

Nexium™ sales were slightly down for the full year to $5,216 million, a 2 percent decline.  Sales in the US were down 4 percent, as market share gains for Nexium™ in the branded segment of the PPI market were offset by continued strong growth of generic omeprazole and lower realised prices for Nexium™.  Nexium™ sales in other markets were up 2 percent.

Seroquel™ sales increased 15 percent to $4,027 million, with sales in the US up 15 percent and sales up 16 percent in other markets.  The launch rollout of the schizophrenia indication for Seroquel XR™ is underway, to be supported by an extensive life cycle management programme.  Submissions for acute bipolar mania and bipolar depression were made in the US last month.  European submissions are scheduled for these indications during the first quarter of 2008. Filings for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder in the US and Europe are also planned for this year.

Crestor™ sales for the full year were up 33 percent to $2,796 million.  Sales in the US were up 24 percent.  Sales in other markets increased 45 percent, and now comprise half of the worldwide total for Crestor™.  In November 2007, Crestor™ received US FDA approval for a new indication, as an adjunct to diet to slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with elevated cholesterol.

Arimidex™ sales increased by 10 percent for the full year to $1,730 million, growing at 13 percent in the US and 8 percent in other markets.

Symbicort™ sales for the full year were up 22 percent to $1,575 million, including $50 million in the US since launch in June 2007.  In the US, Symbicort™ share of patients newly starting fixed combination therapy was 11.5 percent in the week ending 18 January, with a 5.8 percent share of all new prescriptions for combination products.  Sales outside the US were up 18 percent for the full year.


Fourth Quarter

Sales in the fourth quarter were $8,170 million, up 8 percent at CER, or 14 percent on an as reported basis (including an exchange benefit of 6 percent). The inclusion of MedImmune more than offset the decline in Toprol-XL™ sales in the US. Reported sales in the US were up 8 percent.  Reported sales in the Rest of World increased 8 percent, as Established Markets were up 5 percent and Emerging Markets saw growth of 18 percent.

Operating profit in the fourth quarter was $1,929 million (7 percent lower than the fourth quarter last year).  Excluding restructuring and synergy costs, operating profit increased to $2,291 million (up 11 percent).

Reported EPS for the fourth quarter 2007 was $0.86 compared with $0.93 last year.  Excluding restructuring and synergy costs, earnings per share increased 10 percent at constant currency.
 
 
Enhancing Productivity

In the fourth quarter, restructuring and synergy costs of $362 million were charged bringing the total for the full year to $966 million.  This represents just under half of the total estimated combined programme costs of $1,975 million announced in 2007.

To date, $300 million in benefits have been realised towards the goal of $1,400 million in combined annualised savings from restructuring and synergies by 2010.


Research and Development Update

Significant progress in renewing the pipeline was made in 2007.  A record 36 compounds were selected to enter development compared with 22 in 2006.  Efforts to reduce early attrition have resulted in 24 molecules entering first human testing during the year, double the 12 achieved in 2006.  In parallel, the Company has reduced the median development time for our projects by 18 months and we are on track to deliver upper quartile industry development speeds by 2010.  10 supplemental registration packages were submitted to global regulatory authorities during the year; approvals were received for a number of these submissions in various jurisdictions, notably Seroquel XR™ for schizophrenia and Crestor™ for atherosclerosis.

In 2008, the Company expects to file up to three first licence applications for new chemical entities, and expects that a record number of projects will reach proof of concept decision points by year-end. The Company believes its target to bring on average two new medicines to the market on an annual basis is achievable from 2010 onwards.

The purchase of MedImmune secured AstraZeneca’s Biologics strategy, giving the Company all the elements required to deliver a flow of biological medicines, such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, to the market.  This is in line with our previously stated objective that biologics should comprise 25 percent of all late phase development projects from 2010.  A strategic review has been conducted across all therapeutic areas, resulting in a redistribution of R&D resources between small molecules and biologics and a rationalisation of our therapeutic targets.  Small molecule efforts in respiratory and inflammatory disease and cancer will be reduced. In particular, we will stop Discovery activities in osteoarthritis disease modification and move out of cancer cell cycle blockers as a therapeutic target.  The balance between increasing the portfolio and the reshaping and efficiency gains we have achieved will result in overall growth in R&D expenditures in high single digits in 2008.

An updated R&D pipeline table has been issued in conjunction with the publication of this press release.  A copy of this table is available on the Company’s website, www.astrazeneca.com, under information for investors.

 
Future Prospects
 
The industry faces increasingly challenging market conditions, and the pricing demands from payers and competition from generics in major therapeutic categories will continue to pressure the top line.
 
In 2008, the Company aims to achieve constant currency sales growth in the low to mid-single digits.  The uplift from the inclusion of a full year of sales contribution from MedImmune will be broadly offset by the expected sales decline from a full year of generic competition for Toprol-XL™ in the US market.  This revenue growth, combined with continued realisation of the benefits of restructuring and synergies and disciplined management of gross margin and SG&A costs will enable continued investment in strengthening the pipeline, with expenditures in R&D expected to increase at a high single digit rate.
 
The Company anticipates Core earnings per share for 2008 in the range of $4.40 to $4.70, compared with $4.38 in 2007.
 
Disclosure Notice:  The preceding forward-looking statements relating to expectations for earnings and business prospects for AstraZeneca PLC are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.  These include, but are not limited to: the rate of growth in sales of generic competitors to Toprol-XL™ in the US market, the rate of growth in sales of generic omeprazole in the US, growth in currently marketed products (in particular Crestor™, Nexium™, Seroquel™, Symbicort™ and Arimidex™), the growth in costs and expenses, interest rate movements, exchange rate fluctuations, and the tax rate.  For further details on these and other risks and uncertainties, see AstraZeneca PLC’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the 2006 Annual Report on Form 20-F.
 
 
Sales 

All narrative in this section refers to growth rates at constant exchange rates (CER) unless otherwise indicated.
 
Gastrointestinal
 
 
Fourth Quarter
CER %
Full Year
CER %
 
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
Nexium™
1,303
1,430
-12
5,216
5,182
-2
Losec™/Prilosec™
298
347
-20
1,143
1,371
-20
Total
1,625
1,801
-14
6,443
6,631
-6

 
·  
In the US, Nexium™ sales for the full year were $3,383 million, down 4 percent.  Estimated volume growth was 2 percent for the year.  Nexium™ market share in the branded segment of the PPI market increased by 1.5 percentage points in 2007, the only major brand to gain share; however, generic omeprazole’s share of the prescription PPI market increased to 27.4 percent by December 2007, an increase of nearly 7 percentage points since December 2006.  Realised prices for Nexium™ declined by around 8 percent for the year.
 
·  
In the fourth quarter, US sales of Nexium™ were down 18 percent, as an estimated underlying demand increase of 2 percent was offset by a large negative price variance.  Nearly 5 percentage points of the price variance is attributable to the favourable impact of the release of the TriCare provision in the fourth quarter of 2006.  The balance of the price variance is attributable to lower contract prices exacerbated by a pronounced mix effect, arising from volumes shifting to customer segments with higher discounts and a declining proportion of non-contract sales; this shift in mix occurred over the course of the entire year, but is particularly evident in the fourth quarter year-on-year comparison. For 2008, average realised prices are expected to continue to decline, but not at the rate implied by the fourth quarter performance.
 
·  
Nexium™ sales in other markets were up 2 percent for the full year to $1,833 million, as growth in Emerging Markets more than offset the declines in Western Europe.  Fourth quarter sales in other markets were unchanged compared with last year.
 
·  
For 2008, the Company expects Nexium™ sales to be lower than 2007.
 
·  
For the full year, Prilosec™ sales in the US were down 3 percent.  Losec™ sales in other markets were down 24 percent, although sales increased in Japan and China.

 
Cardiovascular
 
 
Fourth Quarter
CER %
Full Year
CER %
 
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
Crestor™
799
625
+21
2,796
2,028
+33
Seloken™ /Toprol-XL™
209
387
-50
1,438
1,795
-22
Atacand™
353
301
+7
1,287
1,110
+9
Zestril™
67
78
-22
295
307
-10
Plendil™
66
65
-6
271
275
-7
Total
1,656
1,609
-4
6,686
6,118
+5

 
·  
In the US, Crestor™ sales for the full year were $1,424 million, a 24 percent increase over last year.  Total prescriptions in the US statin market increased 8 percent for the year; Crestor™ prescriptions were up 22 percent.  Crestor™ share of total prescriptions in the US was 8.6 percent in December.  US sales of Crestor™ in the fourth quarter were up 8 percent, broadly in line with prescription growth.
 
·  
In November 2007, Crestor™ was approved for a new indication in the US, as an adjunct to diet to slow the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with elevated cholesterol.
 
·  
On 15 January 2008, the Company announced the launch of a new clinical trial, SATURN.  SATURN will compare the effects of Crestor™ and atorvastatin on the ability to decrease progression or induce regression of atherosclerosis.
 
 
·  
Crestor™ sales outside the US for the full year increased 45 percent to $1,372 million, nearly half the total worldwide sales for the product.  Sales were up 26 percent in Western Europe with good growth in France and Italy.  Sales in Canada increased 43 percent.  The launch in Japan continues to progress well, with Crestor™ achieving an 8.8 percent volume share in November 2007.
 
·  
Crestor™ sales outside the US were up 38 percent in the fourth quarter.
 
·  
US sales of the Toprol-XL™ product range, which includes sales of the authorised generic, were down 69 percent in the fourth quarter and down 30 percent for the full year, as the full range of dosage strengths were subject to generic competition from August 2007.  Generic products accounted for 85 percent of dispensed prescriptions in the fourth quarter.
 
·  
Sales of Seloken™ in other markets were down 2 percent in the fourth quarter, but were up 5 percent for the full year as a result of growth in Emerging Markets.
 
·  
Atacand™ sales in the US were down 3 percent in the fourth quarter and were unchanged for the full year.
 
·  
Sales of Atacand™ in other markets were up 10 percent in the fourth quarter and increased 12 percent for the full year.

 
Respiratory
 
 
Fourth Quarter
CER %
Full Year
CER %
 
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
Symbicort™
436
323
+21
1,575
1,184
+22
Pulmicort™
447
400
+8
1,454
1,292
+10
Rhinocort™
87
90
-7
354
360
-4
Oxis™
22
23
-13
86
88
-10
Accolate™
19
22
-18
76
81
-7
Total
1,056
899
+10
3,711
3,151
+12

 
·  
Symbicort™ sales for the full year were up 22 percent to $1,575 million.  Sales in Western Europe were up 12 percent in the fourth quarter and 16 percent for the full year, with market share up another point in the last 12 months, aided by the rollout of the Symbicort™ SMART™ regimen and growth from use in COPD.  Good growth for the year was achieved in Canada (up 25 percent) and in Emerging Markets (up 26 percent).
 
·  
Symbicort™ sales in the US were $50 million since launch at the end of June 2007. Specialist physicians have rapidly adopted the product; nearly 75 percent of allergists and more than 60 percent of pulmonary specialists in our target audience have prescribed Symbicort™.  Symbicort™ share of new prescriptions for fixed combination products was 5.8 percent in the week ending 18 January; market share of patients newly starting combination therapy is 11.5 percent.
 
·  
US sales of Pulmicort™ increased 13 percent in the fourth quarter and 15 percent for the full year.  Pulmicort™ Respules™ sales in the US were up by more than 20 percent for the full year, on estimated volume growth of 15 percent.  Of the approximately 6 million children under the age of 8 who are treated for asthma, more than 1 million benefit from treatment with Pulmicort™ Respules™.
 
·  
Pulmicort™ sales in other markets were down 2 percent in the fourth quarter and were unchanged for the year.
 

Oncology
 
 
Fourth Quarter
CER %
Full Year
CER %
 
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
Arimidex™
474
412
+8
1,730
1,508
+10
Casodex™
370
327
+6
1,335
1,206
+6
Zoladex™
307
272
+4
1,104
1,008
+4
Iressa™
70
63
+6
238
237
-
Faslodex™
58
48
+13
214
186
+10
Nolvadex™
24
23
-
83
89
-9
Ethyol™ *
16
-
n/m
43
-
n/m
Total
1,339
1,157
+8
4,819
4,262
+8
* Sales of this MedImmune product are consolidated in AstraZeneca accounts from 1 June 2007.  As a result, there are no prior period sales included.
 
·  
In the US, sales of Arimidex™ in the fourth quarter were up 7 percent, and for the full year sales increased 13 percent to $694 million.  Total prescriptions for Arimidex™ increased nearly 5.3 percent compared with 1.3 percent growth in the market for hormonal treatments for breast cancer.
 
·  
In November 2007, the Company announced that the US FDA has granted an additional six-month period of exclusivity to market Arimidex™ for its licensed breast cancer indications until June 2010.
 
·  
Arimidex™ sales in other markets increased 9 percent in the fourth quarter and were up 8 percent for the full year to $1,036 million.  Sales for the full year were up 6 percent in Western Europe and increased 9 percent in Japan.
 
·  
Casodex™ sales in the US for the full year were up 1 percent.  Sales in other markets, which account for more than 75 percent of product sales, were up 8 percent, on 6 percent growth in Western Europe and 13 percent sales growth in Japan.
 
·  
Iressa™ sales were unchanged for the full year.  Sales in Japan increased 4 percent for the year; sales in China were up 24 percent.
 
·  
Faslodex™ sales increased 10 percent to $214 million for the full year, on growth of 3 percent in the US and 18 percent in other markets.

 
Neuroscience
 
 
Fourth Quarter
CER %
Full Year
CER %
 
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
Seroquel™
1,086
912
+15
4,027
3,416
+15
Zomig™
114
103
+4
434
398
+5
Total
1,449
1,240
+12
5,340
4,704
+10

 
·  
In the US, Seroquel™ sales were up 16 percent in the fourth quarter and 15 percent for the full year.  Total prescriptions for Seroquel™ increased 10 percent for the year, more than twice the market rate.  Market share of total prescriptions in the US antipsychotic market increased to 31.8 percent in December 2007, up 1.3 points in the last 12 months, with a third of the increase attributable to Seroquel XR™ in the 5 months since launch in August.
 
·  
Seroquel™ sales in other markets were up 14 percent in the fourth quarter and up 16 percent for the full year   as a result of market share gains in most markets.
 
·  
The Mutual Recognition Procedure in Europe for Seroquel XR™ was completed in December, and the Company is now progressing towards securing national licences.  An extensive life cycle management programme supporting Seroquel XR™ is underway.  Submissions for acute bipolar mania and bipolar depression were made in the US in December 2007.  European submissions are scheduled for these indications during the first quarter of 2008.  Filings for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder are also planned for this year in the US and Europe.
 
·  
Zomig™ sales for the full year increased 5 percent in the US and 4 percent in other markets.
 
 
Infection and Other
 
 
Fourth Quarter
CER %
Full Year
CER %
 
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
Synagis™*
480
-
n/m
618
-
n/m
Merrem™
215
167
+18
773
604
+20
FluMist™*
53
-
n/m
53
-
n/m
Total
816
248
+220
1,714
875
+89
* Sales of these MedImmune products are consolidated in AstraZeneca accounts from 1 June 2007.  As a result, there are no prior period sales included.
 
·  
Sales of Synagis™ totalled $480 million in the fourth quarter.  US sales were $391 million; sales outside the US were $89 million.  There are no corresponding sales recorded in the AstraZeneca accounts in the prior year; on a pro-forma basis, Synagis™ sales are 5 percent ahead of the fourth quarter last year.  Synagis™ sales are highly seasonal, with the majority of sales recorded in the fourth and first quarters.
 
·  
Sales of FluMist™ were $53 million for the full year, all of which were recorded in the fourth quarter.  As with Synagis™, there are no corresponding sales in the AstraZeneca accounts in the prior year; on a pro-forma basis, FluMist™ sales for the 2007/08 influenza season to date are 56 percent ahead of the comparable period in 2006/07.

 
Geographic Sales
 
 
Fourth Quarter
CER %
Full Year
CER %
 
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
2007
$m
2006
$m
  
North America
3,996
3,653
+8
14,511
13,480
+7
  US
3,665
3,390
+8
13,366
12,449
+7
Established ROW*
3,194
2,745
+5
11,491
10,131
+5
Emerging ROW
980
756
+18
3,557
2,864
+17
 
*Established ROW comprises Western Europe (including France, UK, Germany, Italy, Sweden and others), Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
 
·  
Sales in the US were up 7 percent for the full year, with this growth rate remaining broadly unchanged after adjusting for managed market accruals, inventory movements and provision movements.  The addition of 7 months sales of MedImmune accounts for 3 percent of the increase.  Excluding MedImmune and Toprol-XL™ from the current and prior year, sales grew at 7 percent.  Growth in Seroquel™, Crestor™, Arimidex™ and Symbicort™ more than offset the sales declines for Toprol-XL™ and Nexium™.
 
·  
Sales growth in the Established Rest of World segment was 5 percent for the full year.  Sales in Western Europe were up 3 percent (1 percent excluding Synagis™), with good growth from Symbicort™, Crestor™, Seroquel™ and the oncology products more than offsetting declines in the PPI products.  Sales in Japan were up 11 percent, with most of the growth attributable to Crestor™ and the oncology products.
 
·  
Sales in Emerging Markets increased 17 percent for the full year, accounting for nearly 45 percent of total Company sales growth outside the US market.  Sales in Emerging Europe were up 12 percent.  Sales in China increased by 28 percent.
 
 
Operating Review 

All narrative in this section refers to growth rates at constant exchange rates (CER) unless otherwise indicated.

Fourth Quarter
 
Reported sales increased by 14 percent and operating profit fell by 4 percent. At constant exchange rates, sales increased by 8 percent and operating profit fell by 7 percent. Currency movements therefore increased sales by 6 percent and operating profit by 3 percent. In comparison to last year, the dollar was 11 percent weaker against the euro, increasing sales, and also against the Swedish krona (9 percent) and sterling (6 percent), increasing costs.  The net effect of these currency movements was a positive impact of 2 cents on reported earnings per share.

As shown in the table below, when the impact of restructuring and synergy costs and MedImmune operating profit is excluded, operating profit increased by 4 percent and earnings per share by 13 percent.

Quarter Four
Operating Profit
$m
CER %
EPS
CER %
         
Reported
1,929 
-7
$0.86
-9
Restructuring and Synergy Costs
362 
n/a
$0.18
n/a
Reported, excluding restructuring and synergy costs
2,291 
+11
$1.04
+10
MedImmune
(137)
n/a
$0.03
n/a
Underlying
2,154 
+4
$1.07
+13


In the fourth quarter, reported operating margin was 23.6 percent. Excluding restructuring and synergy costs of $362 million and the MedImmune operating profit of $137 million (which excludes the impact of costs relating to the achievement of synergies), underlying operating margin was 28.3 percent, an increase of 0.3 percentage points on the fourth quarter in 2006 (see table below).

Quarter Four
Reported % of sales
Restructuring and synergy costs
$m
MedImmune $m
Underlying %
of sales
Change
versus PY1
           
Gross Margin
77.7
(95)
366 
79.8
+1.9
Distribution
0.8
-
(2)
0.9
-0.1
R&D
17.5
(36)
(60)
17.5
-1.8
SG&A
37.4
(231)
(247)
33.8
+1.3
Other Operating Income
1.6
-
 80 
0.7
-1.0
Operating Profit
23.6
(362)
137 
28.3
+0.3


Underlying gross margin of 79.8 percent in quarter four is 1.9 percentage points higher than last year. Principal contributors were asset provisions, totalling $108 million, being recorded in the prior period (1.5 percentage points) and lower payments to Merck (1.3 percentage points). Adverse impacts arose from currency and increased royalty payments, which led to a combined 0.6 percentage point reduction.

Underlying R&D expenditure was $1,336 million in the fourth quarter, up 11 percent over last year due principally to increased activity levels and the effect of the externalisation strategy, particularly the collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Underlying SG&A costs of $2,577 million were 4 percent lower than quarter four in 2006, due to continued operational efficiencies and realisation of the initial benefits from the Company’s productivity initiatives.
 
______________
1 Positive number indicates favourable effect on operating profit margin versus prior year.
 
 
Underlying other income of $54 million was $69 million lower than the fourth quarter in 2006, which included the divestment of 17 non-core products in Scandinavia and higher royalty income.

MedImmune contributed an operating profit of $137 million (which includes amortisation costs of $115 million) during the fourth quarter, compared with a loss of $212 million in the third quarter (which also included amortisation of $105 million). This reflects the seasonal bias in MedImmune’s principal business activities.

 
Full Year
 
Reported sales increased by 12 percent and operating profit fell by 1 percent. At constant exchange rates, sales increased by 7 percent and operating profit fell by 4 percent. Currency movements increased reported sales by 5 percent and operating profit by 3 percent. Cumulatively, exchange has increased earnings per share by 7 cents.

As shown in the table below, when the effect of restructuring and synergy costs and MedImmune operating loss is excluded, operating profit increased by 10 percent and earnings per share increased by 15 percent.

Year
Operating Profit
$m
CER  %
EPS
CER  %
         
Reported
8,094
-4
$3.74
-5
Restructuring and Synergy Costs
966
n/a
$0.46
n/a
Reported, excluding restructuring and synergy costs
9,060
+8
$4.20
+7
MedImmune
178
n/a
$0.32
n/a
Underlying
9,238
+10
$4.52
+15
 

For the full year, reported operating margin was 27.4 percent. Excluding restructuring and synergy costs of $966 million and the MedImmune operating loss of $178 million (which excludes the impact of costs relating to the achievement of synergies), underlying operating margin was 32.0 percent, an increase of 1.0 percentage points on 2006 (see table below).


Year
Reported % of sales
Restructuring and synergy costs
$m
MedImmune
$m
Underlying %
of sales
Change
versus PY2
           
Gross Margin
78.3
(415)
472 
80.0
+1.0
Distribution
0.8
-
(4)
0.8
+0.1
R&D
17.5
(73)
(255)
16.8
-2.1
SG&A
35.1
(478)
(560)
32.3
+2.1
Other Operating Income
2.5
-
169 
1.9
-0.1
Operating Profit
27.4
(966)
(178)
32.0
+1.0

Underlying gross margin increased by 1.0 percentage points to 80.0 percent. Principal drivers included improved efficiencies, reduced payments to Merck (0.7 percentage points), asset provisions booked during the prior period (0.4 percentage points) and favourable currency movements (0.2 percentage points). An adverse effect arose from increased royalty payments, which led to a 0.4 percentage point reduction.

Underlying R&D expenditure was $4,834 million in 2007, up 16 percent over last year due principally to increased activity levels and the effect of the externalisation strategy.

Underlying SG&A costs were 2 percent lower than the same period in 2006, primarily as a result of operational efficiencies from our selling and marketing activities.
 
 
______________
2 Positive number indicates favourable effect on operating profit margin versus prior year.
 
 
Underlying other income of $559 million was $35 million higher than 2006, as expected reductions in royalty income were more than offset by higher one-time gains and the insurance recoveries in the first quarter of 2007.

MedImmune contributed an operating loss of $178 million (which includes amortisation costs of $255 million) for the full year.

Restructuring and Synergy Programmes Update
 
At the half year, the Company provided details of the various productivity initiatives being undertaken to enhance the long-term efficiency of the business along with the synergies arising as a result of the acquisition of MedImmune.  Following the integration of MedImmune, the Company is now managing these programmes on a combined basis.  The restructuring and synergy costs are expected to be $1,975 million, with estimated annual benefits of $1,400 million targeted by 2010.
 
As of 31 December, total charges of $966 million have been taken in respect of these programmes, of which $723 million represents cash costs. Over the same period, productivity initiative benefits of $250 million and synergy benefits of $50 million have been realised.
 
All individual programmes continue to progress to plan, with forecasts for the total costs and benefits associated with each initiative remaining in accordance with the guidance issued in the second quarter and half year press release. Of the remaining $1 billion of cost, approximately two thirds is expected to be incurred in 2008, with the balance in 2009 and 2010. Of the anticipated annual benefits of $1,400 million by 2010, cumulatively two thirds will be realised in 2008.
 
Toprol-XL™
 
In 2007, Toprol-XL™ contributed US sales of $969 million (2006: $1,382 million) and EPS of 39 cents (2006: 50 cents).  If Toprol-XL™ were excluded from the full year results for both the current and prior year periods, sales growth would be 10 percent (versus 7 percent on an overall basis) and EPS would be down 3 percent (compared with a 5 percent overall decrease).  Using the same basis in the fourth quarter, sales would be up 11 percent (compared with a 8 percent overall increase) and EPS would be down 2 percent (compared with a 9 percent overall decline).
 
Finance Income and Expense
 
Net interest expense was $92 million for the fourth quarter (2006 income: $100 million) and $111 million for the full year (2006 income: $327 million). The decrease versus last year is primarily attributable to the interest payable on the borrowings to acquire MedImmune, Inc.  Interest expense on the new debt was $203 million in the fourth quarter and $446 million for the full year. The reported amounts include net income of $13 million (2006: $9 million) in the fourth quarter, and $34 million (2006: $43 million) in the full year, arising from employee benefit fund assets and liabilities reported under IAS 19, ‘Employee Benefits’.
 
Taxation
 
The effective tax rate for the year was 29.5 percent (30.6 percent for the quarter) compared with 29.0 percent (31.3 percent for the quarter) for 2006.  The slight increase for the year compared to 2006 reflects the combined effect of differences in the geographical mix of profits, the reversal of tax deductions relating to share based payments, the reduction in the UK tax rate as applied to UK net deferred tax liabilities, and an increase in tax provisions principally in relation to global transfer pricing. The full year tax rate for 2008 is anticipated to be around 29.5 percent.
 
Cash Flow
 
Cash generated from operating activities was $7,510 million in 2007, only slightly down on 2006 ($7,693 million).  The small decrease in operating profit was compensated for by an increase in non-cash items ($638 million principally from unspent restructuring costs) and depreciation, amortisation and impairment ($511 million).  These compensating effects were offset by an increase in working capital requirements of $551 million and additional tax and interest payments ($394 million and $265 million respectively).
 
Net cash outflows from investing activities were $14,887 million in 2007 compared to $272 million in 2006 due primarily to the acquisition of MedImmune, Inc.; other acquisitions in 2007 included Arrow Therapeutics Limited, Atlantis Components Inc. and Denics International Co. Ltd.
 
 
Cash distributions to shareholders were $6,811 million (through share repurchases of $4,170 million and dividend payments of $2,641 million).
 
Net funds of $6,537 million at the beginning of the year have become net debt of $9,112 million by the end of the year due to the acquisition of MedImmune Inc., which has been substantially financed through new debt.
 
Investments
 
New investments completed during the fourth quarter include:
 
In October, the Company’s Astra Tech Group completed the acquisition of Atlantis Components Inc. An intangible asset has been recognised for $106 million, relating to specialist CAD/CAM Technology used to design and manufacture bespoke dental implant abutments.

In December, Astra Tech also acquired Denics International Co. Ltd, which was previously their Japanese distributor and has strategic importance for the company's expansion into Asia. The Company has capitalised an intangible asset of $15 million in relation to the acquisition.

Core Earnings per Share
 
Management believes that investors’ understanding of the Company’s performance is enhanced by the disclosure of Core EPS.  The Core EPS measure is adjusted to exclude certain significant items, such as charges and provisions related to restructuring and synergy programmes, amortisation of the significant intangibles arising from corporate acquisitions and those related to our current and future exit arrangements with Merck in the US, and other specified items.  Core EPS is not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for EPS in accordance with IFRS.
 
The reconciliation of fourth quarter and full year Core EPS to reported earnings per share is provided below:

 
4th Quarter
2007
4th Quarter
2006
CER
      %
  
Full Year
2007
Full Year
2006
CER
     %
               
Reported EPS
$0.86
$0.93
-9
  
$3.74
$3.86
-5
               
Restructuring and Synergy Costs
$0.18
-
n/a
  
$0.46
-
n/a
               
Amortisation of intangible assets
              
  MedImmune acquisition
$0.05
-
n/a
  
$0.12
-
n/a
  Merck arrangements
$0.01
$0.01
-
  
$0.06
$0.06
-
               
Core EPS
$1.10
$0.94
+16
  
$4.38
$3.92
+10

The Company intends to issue guidance on a Core basis in 2008. To further aid investors’ understanding of this metric, a reconciliation between reported and Core earnings for 2007 is shown below.

   
Reported
$m
  
Restructuring
$m
  
MedImmune
Amortisation
$m
  
Merck
Amortisation
$m
  
Core
$m
Operating Profit
  
8,094 
  
966 
  
255 
  
96 
  
9,411 
Net interest expense
  
(111)
  
- 
  
- 
  
- 
  
(111)
Profit before tax
  
7,983 
  
966 
  
255 
  
96 
  
9,300 
Taxation
  
(2,356)
  
(285)
  
(75)
  
- 
  
(2,716)
Profit after tax
  
5,627 
  
681 
  
180 
  
96 
  
6,584 
Minority interests
  
(32)
  
- 
  
- 
  
- 
  
(32)
Net profit
  
5,595 
  
681 
  
180 
  
96 
  
6,552 
Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue (millions)
  
1,495 
  
1,495 
  
1,495 
  
1,495 
  
1,495 
Earnings Per Share
  
$3.74 
  
$0.46 
  
$0.12 
  
$0.06 
  
$4.38 
 
 
Debt and Capital Structure 

During November, the Company issued two further bonds as part of its re-financing programme, following the $6.9 billion, 4-tranche SEC Global and EUR 750 million Eurobond transactions in September. The bonds were issued under a Euro Medium Term Note Programme, and consisted of a long dated sterling issue and a 3 year fixed rate Eurobond, as follows:

·  
GBP 350 million 5.75% Notes due 2031
·  
EUR 750 million 4.625% Notes due 2010

In addition, the Company cancelled, in full, the initial $15 billion bridge facility and replaced it with a total of $5.15 billion in committed bank facilities, with maturities of 1 and 5 years.

As at 31 December 2007, outstanding gross debt (including loans, short-term borrowings and overdrafts) is $15,156 million, of which $10,876 million is long term (greater than 12 months).  Outstanding net debt is $9,112 million.

 
Dividends and Shareholder Return

The Board has recommended a 10 percent increase in the second interim dividend to $1.35 (67.7 pence, 8.61 SEK) to be paid on 17 March 2008.  This brings the full year dividend to $1.87 (93.0 pence, 12.10 SEK) an increase of 9 percent.

The Board’s dividend policy is unchanged; it is intended that the dividend will continue to grow in line with reported earnings (before restructuring and synergy costs), with an aim to maintain at least two times dividend cover.
 
 
Share Repurchase Programme

During the fourth quarter, 18.3 million shares were re-purchased for cancellation at a total cost of $876 million, bringing the total re-purchases for the year to 79.9 million shares at a total cost of $4,170 million. Shares issued during the year were 4.7 million in consideration of share option exercises for a total of $218 million.
 
The total number of shares in issue at 31 December 2007 was 1,457 million.
 
The share re-purchase programme is calculated to have added 8 cents to EPS during the year, after allowing for an estimate of interest income foregone.

The Board’s distribution policy and its overall financial strategy is to strike a balance between the interests of the business, our shareholders and our financial creditors, whilst maintaining a strong investment grade credit rating. The Board expects to undertake share repurchases in the region of $1 billion in 2008, subject to business needs.
 

Calendar 

24 April 2008
Announcement of first quarter 2008 results
24 April 2008
Annual General Meeting
31 July 2008
Announcement of second quarter and half year 2008 results
30 October 2008
Announcement of third quarter and nine months 2008 results

David Brennan
Chief Executive Officer

 
Item 5
 
 
Consolidated Income Statement
 
For the year ended 31 December
  
2007
$m
  
2006
$m
Sales
  
29,559 
  
26,475 
Cost of sales
  
(6,419)
  
(5,559)
Distribution costs
  
(248)
  
(226)
Research and development
  
(5,162)
  
(3,902)
Selling, general and administrative costs
  
(10,364)
  
(9,096)
Other operating income and expense
  
728 
  
524 
Operating profit
  
8,094 
  
8,216 
Finance income
  
959 
  
888 
Finance expense
  
(1,070)
  
(561)
Profit before tax
  
7,983 
  
8,543 
Taxation
  
(2,356)
  
(2,480)
Profit for the period
  
5,627 
  
6,063 
         
         
Attributable to:
        
Equity holders of the Company
  
5,595 
  
6,043 
Minority interests
  
32 
  
20 
   
5,627 
  
6,063 
         
         
Basic earnings per $0.25 Ordinary Share
  
$3.74
  
$3.86
Diluted earnings per $0.25 Ordinary Share
  
$3.73
  
$3.85
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue (millions)
  
1,495 
  
1,564 
Diluted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue (millions)
  
1,498 
  
1,570 
         
Dividends for the period
  
2,740
  
2,649

 
Consolidated Income Statement
 
For the quarter ended 31 December
  
2007
$m
  
2006
$m
Sales
  
8,170 
  
7,154 
Cost of sales
  
(1,821)
  
(1,578)
Distribution costs
  
(67)
  
(61)
Research and development
  
(1,432)
  
(1,124)
Selling, general and administrative costs
  
(3,055)
  
(2,511)
Other operating income and expense
  
134 
  
123 
Operating profit
  
1,929 
  
2,003 
Finance income
  
256 
  
267 
Finance expense
  
(348)
  
(167)
Profit before tax
  
1,837 
  
2,103 
Taxation
  
(562)
  
(658)
Profit for the period
  
1,275 
  
1,445 
         
         
Attributable to:
        
Equity holders of the Company
  
1,266 
  
1,432 
Minority interests
  
9 
  
13 
   
1,275 
  
1,445 
         
         
Basic earnings per $0.25 Ordinary Share
  
$0.86
  
$0.93
Diluted earnings per $0.25 Ordinary Share
  
$0.86
  
$0.93
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue (millions)
  
1,464 
  
1,540 
Diluted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue (millions)
  
1,466 
  
1,545 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
As at 31 December
  
                 2007
$m
  
2006
$m
ASSETS
Non-current assets
        
Property, plant and equipment
  
8,298 
  
7,453 
Goodwill
  
 9,884 
  
 1,097 
Intangible assets
  
11,467 
  
3,107 
Other investments
  
182 
  
119 
Deferred tax assets
  
1,044 
  
1,220 
   
30,875 
  
12,996 
Current assets
        
Inventories
  
2,119 
  
2,250 
Trade and other receivables
  
6,668 
  
5,561 
Other investments
  
177 
  
657 
Income tax receivable
  
2,251 
  
1,365 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
5,867 
  
7,103 
   
17,082 
  
16,936 
Total assets
  
47,957 
  
29,932 
         
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
        
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
  
(4,280)
  
(136)
Trade and other payables
  
(6,968)
  
(6,295)
Provisions
  
(387)
  
(39)
Income tax payable
  
(3,552)
  
(2,977)
   
(15,187)
  
(9,447)
Non-current liabilities
        
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
  
(10,876)
  
(1,087)
Deferred tax liabilities
  
(4,119)
  
(1,559)
Retirement benefit obligations
  
(1,998)
  
(1,842)
Provisions
  
(633)
  
(327)
Other payables
  
(229)
  
(254)
   
(17,855)
  
(5,069)
Total liabilities
  
(33,042)
  
(14,516)
Net assets
  
14,915 
  
15,416 
EQUITY
        
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company
        
Share capital
  
364 
  
383 
Share premium account
  
1,888 
  
1,671 
Other reserves
  
1,902 
  
1,902 
Retained earnings
  
10,624 
  
11,348 
   
14,778 
  
15,304 
Minority equity interests
  
137 
  
112 
Total equity
  
14,915 
  
15,416 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
 
For the year ended 31 December
  
2007
$m
  
2006
$m
Cash flows from operating activities
        
Profit before taxation
  
7,983 
  
8,543 
Finance income and expense
  
111 
  
(327)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
  
1,856 
  
1,345 
(Increase)/decrease in working capital
  
(443)
  
108 
Other non-cash movements
  
901 
  
263 
Cash generated from operations
  
10,408 
  
9,932 
Interest paid
  
(335)
  
(70)
Tax paid
  
(2,563)
  
(2,169)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
  
7,510 
  
7,693 
Cash flows from investing activities
        
Acquisition of business operations
  
(14,891)
  
(1,148)
Movement in short term investments and fixed deposits
  
894 
  
1,120 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
  
(1,130)
  
(794)
Disposal of property, plant and equipment
  
54 
  
35 
Purchase of intangible assets
  
(549)
  
(545)
Disposal of intangible assets
  
- 
  
661 
Purchase of non-current asset investments
  
(35)
  
(17)
Disposal of non-current asset investments
  
421 
  
68 
Interest received
  
358 
  
352 
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to minority interest
  
(9)
  
(4)
Net cash outflow from investing activities
  
(14,887)
  
(272)
Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing activities
  
(7,377)
  
7,421 
Cash flows from financing activities
        
Proceeds from issue of share capital
  
218 
  
985 
Repurchase of shares
  
(4,170)
  
(4,147)
Dividends paid
  
(2,641)
  
(2,220)
Repayment of loans
  
(1,165)
  
- 
Issue of loans
  
9,692 
  
- 
Movement in short term borrowings
  
4,117 
  
16 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities
  
6,051 
  
(5,366)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents in the period
  
(1,326)
  
2,055 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
  
6,989 
  
4,895 
Exchange rate effects
  
64 
  
39 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
  
5,727 
  
6,989 
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
        
Cash and cash equivalents
  
5,867 
  
7,103 
Overdrafts
  
(140)
  
(114)
   
5,727 
  
6,989 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense
 
For the year ended 31 December
  
2007
$m
  
2006
$m
Profit for the period
  
5,627 
  
6,063 
Foreign exchange and other adjustments on consolidation
  
492 
  
922 
Foreign exchange differences on borrowings
  
(40)
  
- 
Cash flow hedge in anticipation of debt issue
  
(21)
  
 - 
Available for sale losses taken to equity
  
(9)
  
(20)
Actuarial loss for the period
  
(113)
  
(108)
Tax on items taken directly to reserves
  
33 
  
137 
   
342 
  
931 
Total recognised income and expense for the period
  
5,969 
  
6,994 
Attributable to:
        
Equity holders of the Company
  
5,934 
  
6,970 
Minority interests
  
35 
  
24 
   
5,969 
  
6,994 


Notes to the Preliminary Announcement
 
1  
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The preliminary announcement for the full year ended 31 December 2007 has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (collectively “IFRS”)  as adopted by the European Union (EU) and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.  Details of the accounting policies applied are those set out in AstraZeneca PLC’s Annual Report and Form 20-F Information 2006.  The annual financial information presented in this preliminary announcement for the year ended 31 December 2007 is based on, and is consistent with, that in the Group’s audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2007, and those financial statements will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company’s Annual General Meeting.  The auditor’s report on those financial statements is unqualified and does not contain any statement under Section 237 of the Companies Act 1985.
 
The information contained in Note 5 updates the disclosures concerning legal proceedings and contingent liabilities in the Company’s Annual Report and Form 20-F Information 2006 and the Third Quarter and Nine Months Results 2007.
 
Information in this preliminary announcement does not constitute statutory accounts of the Group within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.  Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2006 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies.  The auditors’ report on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain any statement under Section 237 of the Companies Act 1985.

 
2  
NET DEBT
 
The table below provides an analysis of net debt and a reconciliation of net cash flow to the movement in net debt.
 
   
At 1 Jan
2007
$m
  
Cash
flow
$m
  
Acquisitions
$m
  
Non-cash
movements
$m
  
Exchange
movements
$m
  
At 31
December
2007
$m
Loans due after 1 year
  
(1,087)
  
(9,692)
  
- 
  
(57)
  
(40)
  
(10,876)
Current instalments of loans
  
- 
  
1,165 
  
(1,165)
  
- 
  
- 
  
- 
Total loans
  
(1,087)
  
(8,527)
  
(1,165)
  
(57)
  
(40)
  
(10,876)
Other investments - current
  
657 
  
(894)
  
279 
  
132 
  
3 
  
177 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
7,103 
  
(1,301)
  
- 
  
- 
  
65 
  
5,867 
Overdrafts
  
(114)
  
(25)
  
- 
  
- 
  
(1)
  
(140)
Short term borrowings
  
(22)
  
(4,117)
  
- 
  
- 
  
(1)
  
(4,140)
   
7,624 
  
(6,337)
  
279 
  
132
  
66
  
1,764 
Net funds/(debt)
  
6,537 
  
(14,864)
  
(886)
  
75 
  
26
  
(9,112)
 
Non-cash movements in the period include fair value adjustments under IAS 39.


3
MEDIMMUNE, INC. ACQUISITION

On 1 June 2007, AstraZeneca announced the successful tender offer for all the outstanding shares of common stock of MedImmune, Inc., a world-leading biotechnology company with proven biologics discovery and development strength, pipeline and leading biomanufacturing.  At that date, approximately 96.0% of the outstanding shares were successfully tendered; the remaining shares were acquired by 18 June 2007.  The financial results of MedImmune, Inc. have been consolidated into the Company’s results from 1 June 2007.

Cash consideration of $13.9 billion was paid for the outstanding shares.  After taking account of the cash and investments acquired, together with the settlement of MedImmune’s convertible debt and outstanding share options, the total cash paid to acquire MedImmune is $15.6 billion.

In most business acquisitions, there is a part of the cost that is not capable of being attributed in accounting terms to identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and is therefore recognised as goodwill.  In the case of the acquisition of MedImmune, this goodwill is underpinned by a number of elements, which individually cannot be quantified.  Most significant amongst these is the premium attributable to a pre-existing, well positioned business in the innovation intensive, high growth biologics market with a highly skilled workforce and established reputation.  Other important elements include buyer specific synergies, potential additional indications for identified products and the core technological capabilities and knowledge base of the company.

MedImmune, Inc. contributed $714 million (Q4: $549 million) of turnover in the period since acquisition.  After amortisation, net investments/interest costs (including interest costs of external financing of $446 million (Q4: $203  million) and tax), the loss attributable to MedImmune since acquisition is $410 million (Q4: $55 million). If the acquisition had taken effect at the beginning of the reporting period (1 January 2007), on a proforma basis the revenue, profit before tax and profit after tax of the combined Group for the full year would have been $30,127 million, $7,576 million and $5,351 million, respectively.  Basic and diluted Earnings per Share for the combined Group would have been $3.56 and $3.55, respectively. This proforma information has been prepared taking into account amortisation, interest costs and related tax effects but does not purport to represent the results of the combined Group that actually would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on 1 January 2007 and should not be taken to be representative of future results.

 
   
 
Book value
$m
  
Fair value
adjustment
$m
  
 
Fair value
$m
Non-current assets
            
Intangible assets
  
193 
  
7,882 
  
8,075 
Property, plant and equipment
  
523 
  
70 
  
593 
Other
  
550 
  
(17)
  
533 
   
1,266 
  
7,935 
  
9,201 
Current assets
  
1,439 
  
115 
  
1,554 
Current liabilities
  
(326)
  
39 
  
(287)
Additional obligations related to convertible debt and share options
  
- 
  
(1,724)
  
(1,724)
Non-current liabilities
            
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
  
(1,165)
  
- 
  
(1,165)
Other payables
  
(73)
  
- 
  
(73)
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
  
314 
  
(2,694)
  
(2,380)
   
(924)
  
(2,694)
  
(3,618)
Total assets acquired
  
1,455 
  
3,671 
  
5,126 
Goodwill
          
8,757 
Total consideration for outstanding shares*
          
13,883 
Additional payments related to convertible debt, share options and other acquisition obligations
          
1,770 
Less:  cash acquired
          
(979)
Net cash outflow
          
14,674 

*  The total consideration for outstanding shares includes $29m of directly attributable costs.
 
 
4
RESTRUCTURING AND SYNERGY COSTS
 
Profit before tax for the full year ended 31 December 2007 is stated after charging restructuring and synergy costs of $966 million ($362 million in the fourth quarter).  These have been charged to the income statement as follows:
 
     
4th Quarter
$m
  
Full year
$m
 
Cost of Sales
  
95
  
415
 
R&D
  
36
  
73
 
SG&A
  
231
  
478
 
Total
  
362
  
966

 
5
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 
AstraZeneca is involved in various legal proceedings considered typical to its business, including litigation relating to employment matters, product liability, commercial disputes, infringement of intellectual property rights, the validity of certain patents, anti-trust, securities law and governmental investigations.  The matters discussed below constitute the more significant developments since publication of the disclosures concerning legal proceedings in the Company’s Annual Report and Form 20-F Information 2006 and Third Quarter and Nine Months Results 2007.

Matters disclosed in respect of the Fourth Quarter of 2007 and January 2008

Crestor™ (rosuvastatin)
AstraZeneca lists three patents in the FDA Orange Book: No. RE37,314 covering the active ingredient (the ‘314 patent); No. 6,316,460 covering formulations (the ‘460 patent); and No. 6,858,618 covering medical use (the ‘618 patent). The ‘314 patent expires in January 2016, the ‘460 patent expires in August 2020, and the ‘618 patent expires in December 2021. Between 30 October 2007 and 6 December 2007, AstraZeneca received Paragraph IV certification notice-letters from Apotex, Inc. (“Apotex”); Aurobindo Pharma Limited (“Aurobindo”); Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc and Cobalt Laboratories Inc (“Cobalt”); Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. USA (“Glenmark”); Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Mylan”); Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. (“Par”); Sandoz, Inc (“Sandoz”); Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited (“Sun”); and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (“Teva”). Each entity notified AstraZeneca that it had submitted an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to the US FDA for approval to market Crestor™ 5, 10, 20, and 40mg rosuvastatin calcium tablets prior to the expiration of one or more of AstraZeneca’s three FDA Orange Book-listed patents. The notice-letters notified AstraZeneca that each respective ANDA contained a Paragraph IV certification alleging non-infringement, invalidity, or unenforceability of one or more of AstraZeneca’s three patents.  In December 2007, in response to notice-letters from seven of the nine manufacturers, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, AstraZeneca UK Limited, IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and AstraZeneca’s licensor, Shionogi Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha (“Shionogi”), filed separate lawsuits in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, against Apotex, Aurobindo, Cobalt, Mylan, Par, Sandoz and Sun for infringement of the patent covering rosuvastatin calcium, the active ingredient in Crestor™ tablets.  AstraZeneca did not file patent infringement actions against Teva and Glenmark, because they did not seek approval to market products before the 2016 expiration date of the patent covering the active ingredient.  In addition to filing actions in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, for procedural reasons, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, AstraZeneca UK Limited, IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Shionogi filed three duplicate patent infringement actions against Mylan, Aurobindo and Cobalt respectively in United States District Courts in West Virginia, New Jersey and Florida. These cases proceed.

AstraZeneca continues to have full confidence in and will vigorously defend and enforce its intellectual property protecting Crestor™.

Losec™/Prilosec™ (omeprazole)
As previously disclosed, in 2001, AstraZeneca filed a suit in the US against Andrx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Andrx”) for infringement of a patent number 6,013,281 directed to a process for making an omeprazole formulation (the ‘281 patent). Andrx filed counterclaims of non-infringement, invalidity and unenforceability for inequitable conduct during prosecution of the ’281 patent. Andrx also asserted that in addition to the ’281 patent, two other formulation patents, numbered 4,786,505 and 4,853,230 (the ‘505 and ’230 patents), were unenforceable for alleged litigation misconduct by AstraZeneca. Both parties sought attorneys’ fees. In May 2004, the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that the ’281 patent was infringed, but also ruled that the ’281 patent was invalid.

The Federal Circuit has concluded that AstraZeneca’s ‘505 and ‘230 formulation patents remained enforceable.  As a result of Andrx’s infringement of ‘505 and ‘230 patents, AstraZeneca was the prevailing party against Andrx in the lower court.  AstraZeneca is pursuing appropriate relief, including damages.


Nexium™ (esomeprazole)
Sales and marketing practices
AstraZeneca entities have been sued in various state and federal courts in the US in purported representative class actions involving the marketing of Nexium™ (esomeprazole magnesium). These actions generally allege that AstraZeneca’s promotion and advertising of Nexium™ to physicians and consumers is unfair, unlawful and deceptive conduct, particularly as the promotion relates to comparisons of Nexium™ with Prilosec™. They also allege that AstraZeneca’s conduct relating to the pricing of Nexium™ was unfair, unlawful and deceptive. The plaintiffs allege claims under various state consumer protection, unfair practices and false advertising laws. The plaintiffs in these cases seek remedies that include restitution, disgorgement of profits, damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees and costs of suit.

In November 2005, the US District Court for the District of Delaware granted AstraZeneca’s motion to dismiss the consolidated class action complaint. In September 2007, the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed the dismissal and denied plaintiffs’ petition for Rehearing En Banc.  On 18 December 2007, plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court.  AstraZeneca’s response to the petition is due in February 2008. The Delaware state case has been stayed pending the outcome of the Delaware federal cases.

Patent Litigation
In December 2007, AstraZeneca received another notice from Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc. and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited (“Dr Reddy’s”) that Dr. Reddy’s had submitted an ANDA to the FDA for esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules, 20mg and 40mg.  This notice challenges three Orange Book-listed patents claiming esomeprazole magnesium (US Patent Nos. 5,714,504, 5,877,192 and 6,875,872).  AstraZeneca’s exclusivity relating to these three patents expires on 3 August 2015, 27 November 2014 and 27 November 2014, respectively.  In January 2008, AstraZeneca commenced patent infringement litigation in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey against Dr. Reddy’s in response to Dr. Reddy’s paragraph IV certifications regarding Nexium™.  No trial date has been set.

A 30-month stay will not prevent the FDA from approving an ANDA, and an at-risk launch by a generic drug manufacturer may occur, of delayed-release esomeprazole magnesium capsules in the year ending 31 December 2008.

In Canada, AstraZeneca Canada, Inc. received several notices of allegation from Apotex, Inc (“Apotex”) in late 2007 in respect of patents listed on the Patent Register in Canada for Nexium™.  Apotex has asserted in its notices that it has filed an abbreviated new drug submission (“ANDS”) in March 2007, for 20 and 40mg esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate tablets and alleges non-infringement and/or invalidity of numerous patents.  AstraZeneca has responded by commencing seven court applications in January 2008 under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. On 17 January 2008, Apotex advised that its product was erroneously described as being a trihydrate in its recent allegations, which allegations Apotex asserted it was withdrawing. Apotex mailed replacement allegations on 17 January 2008, which AstraZeneca is entitled to challenge. Apotex cannot obtain a notice of compliance (marketing approval) for its esomeprazole tablets until the earlier of the disposition of all of the court applications in Apotex’s favour or 24 months from the date on which the latest court application has been commenced.

AstraZeneca has full confidence in and will vigorously defend and enforce its intellectual property protecting Nexium™.

Seroquel™ (quetiapine fumarate)
Product liability
As previously disclosed, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, either alone or in conjunction with one or more affiliates, has been sued in numerous individual personal injury actions involving Seroquel™. In most of these cases, the nature of the plaintiffs’ alleged injuries is not clear from the complaint and in most cases, little or no factual information regarding the alleged injury has been provided in the complaint.  However, the plaintiffs generally contend that they developed diabetes and/or other related injuries as a result of taking Seroquel™ and/or other atypical anti-psychotic medications.  As of 16 January 2008, AstraZeneca was defending 8,121 served or answered lawsuits involving approximately 12,347 plaintiff groups (24 January 2007: 604 served or answered lawsuits involving approximately 7,450 plaintiff groups). To date, approximately 1,900 additional cases have been dismissed by order or agreement and approximately 1,400 of those cases have been dismissed with prejudice.  Discovery directed to all parties is ongoing in most jurisdictions in these Seroquel™ cases.

Patent Litigation
As previously disclosed, AstraZeneca has four pending patent infringement cases against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Sandoz, Inc, which have been consolidated for the purpose of the proceeding discovery. A 30-month stay will not prevent the FDA from approving an ANDA, and an at-risk launch by a generic drug manufacturer may occur, of quetiapine fumarate tablets in the year ending 31 December 2008.

In October 2007, the Court granted AstraZeneca’s partial summary judgement motion based on collateral estoppel, which precludes Teva from relitigating issues previously resolved against it in another previous patent litigation involving Eli Lilly’s anti-psychotic drug, Zyprexa.

AstraZeneca continues to have full confidence in its intellectual property protecting Seroquel™ and will vigorously defend and enforce it.


Sales and Marketing Practices
In February 2007, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed suit against AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly & Co., and Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc. claiming damages incurred by the Commonwealth as a result of alleged off-label promotion of atypical anti-psychotics by the three manufacturers.  The lawsuit is filed in state court in Philadelphia and seeks to recover the cost to the Pennsylvania Medicaid program and other state-funded health insurance programs for prescriptions written as a result of the alleged off-label promotion.  In December 2007, the Court granted defendants’ motion to sever the claims against AstraZeneca and Janssen from those against Eli Lilly and directed the Commonwealth to file separate complaints against the two severed defendants, which the Commonwealth did in January 2008.  Although no similar lawsuits have been brought by states other than Pennsylvania, AstraZeneca has been informed that the Attorney General’s Offices of multiple other states have investigations into similar Seroquel™ off-label issues.  AstraZeneca has signed agreements with 20 states tolling the statutes of limitations on potential claims, and has been approached by additional states for similar tolling agreements.  AstraZeneca believes these claims to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend the Pennsylvania lawsuit.

Average wholesale price class action litigation
As previously disclosed, the District Court in Boston who is managing the multi-district average wholesale price litigation, certified three classes of plaintiffs against the “Track 1” manufacturer defendants, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Schering-Plough and Johnson & Johnson. The three certified classes are: (Class 1) nationwide class of consumers who made co-payments for certain physician-administered drugs reimbursed under the Medicare Part B programme (Part B drugs); (Class 2) a Massachusetts-only class of third-party payers, including insurance companies, union health and welfare benefit plans, and self-insured employers, who covered consumer co-payments for Part B drugs; and (Class 3) a Massachusetts-only class of third-party payers and consumers who paid for Part B drugs outside of the Medicare programme. For all classes, the only AstraZeneca drug at issue is Zoladex™ (goserelin acetate implant).

A bench trial against four of the Track 1 defendants, including AstraZeneca, by Classes 2 and 3 began in November 2006 and concluded in January 2007. A separate jury trial against AstraZeneca only, involving the Class 1 claims, was scheduled to begin in June 2007. However, in May 2007, the parties reached a proposed settlement agreement resolving the Class 1 claims. The settlement, if ultimately approved by the Court, will involve payments of up to $24 million, not including attorneys’ fees, to reimburse individual class members submitting claims. AstraZeneca has agreed that $10 million of any unclaimed amounts will be donated to charitable organisations funding cancer patient care and research.  Notice of proposed settlement was mailed to potential class members in December 2007, and the Court has scheduled a hearing for final approval of the settlement in May 2008.  A provision of $27 million was established in 2007.

In June 2007 and November 2007, the Court issued its decision on Classes 2 and 3. The Court found AstraZeneca liable under the Massachusetts consumer protection statute for engaging in unfair and deceptive conduct in connection with the pricing of Zoladex™ during the period 1998 to 2003. The Court awarded double damages (with prejudgment interest) of $5.5 million for Class 2 and single damages (with prejudgment interest) of $7.4 million for Class 3.  AstraZeneca believes the decision to be in error and has filed an appeal in which it is confident it will prevail and so no provision has been made for these awards.

The decision on Classes 2 and 3 and the settlement of Class 1 relate to Zoladex™ only. The multiple Attorney General lawsuits pending against AstraZeneca and other manufacturers nationwide, which involve numerous drugs in addition to Zoladex™, remain pending against the Company. The first of these cases scheduled for trial is the case filed by the Alabama Attorney General in state court in Montgomery, Alabama. That case is scheduled for a jury trial against AstraZeneca beginning February 2008.

Government investigations into drug marketing practices
There are a number of active investigations led by state Attorneys General.  These include multiple investigations relating to Seroquel™ off-label issues, along with an investigation by the Delaware Attorney General’s Office into marketing and sale activities within the State of Delaware.

Serious Fraud Office Inquiry
In December 2007, AstraZeneca received from the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) a request for documentation about its involvement in the United Nations Oil for Food programme. AstraZeneca denies any allegation of illegal or unethical behaviour in our trading relationships with Iraq. We will comply with the SFO’s request for documentation.

Anti-Trust
AstraZeneca is part of a sectoral Inquiry by the European Commission into the pharmaceutical industry and was the subject of an unannounced inspection in January 2008.  The Inquiry relates to the introduction of innovative and generic medicines and it will cover commercial practices, including the use of patents and generics. We understand that several companies have been similarly approached.

The Commission has stated that this Inquiry is not aimed at investigating practices where there have been any indications of wrong-doing although it could address any competition law breaches found by means of separate proceedings. The Commission has also stated that it plans to issue an interim report in Autumn 2008 and envisages that the final results of its Inquiry will be available in Spring 2009.

AstraZeneca is co-operating fully with the Commission in relation to its Inquiry.


Taxation
Where tax exposures can be quantified, an accrual is made based on best estimates and management’s judgement. Details of the movements in relation to material tax exposures are discussed below.

AstraZeneca faces a number of transfer pricing audits in jurisdictions around the world and, in some cases, is in dispute with the tax authorities. The issues under discussion are often complex and can require many years to resolve. Accruals for tax contingencies require management to make estimates and judgements with respect to the ultimate outcome of a tax audit, and actual results could vary from these estimates. The international tax environment presents increasingly challenging dynamics for the resolution of transfer pricing disputes. These disputes usually result in taxable profits being increased in one territory and correspondingly decreased in another.  Our balance sheet positions for these matters reflect appropriate corresponding relief in the territories affected.  Management considers that at present such corresponding relief will be available but given the challenges in the international tax environment will keep this aspect under careful review.  The total net accrual included in the financial statements to cover the worldwide exposure to transfer pricing audits is $1,322 million, an increase of $327 million due to a number of new audits, revisions of estimates relating to existing audits, offset by a number of negotiated settlements. For transfer pricing audits where AstraZeneca and the tax authorities are in dispute, AstraZeneca estimates the potential for reasonably possible additional losses above and beyond the amount provided to be up to $400 million; however, management believes that it is unlikely that these additional losses will arise. Of the remaining tax exposures, the Company does not expect material additional losses. It is not possible to estimate the timing of tax cash flows in relation to each outcome, however, it is anticipated that a number of significant disputes may be resolved over the next 1-2 years.  Included in the provision is an amount of interest of $234 million. Interest is accrued as a tax expense.

 
6
FULL YEAR TERRITORIAL SALES ANALYSIS
 
           
% Growth
   
Full Year
  
Full Year
        
2007
2006
  
Constant
$m
$m
Actual
Currency
US
  
13,366
  
12,449
  
7
  
7
Canada
  
1,145
  
1,031
  
11
  
5
North America
  
14,511
  
13,480
  
8
  
7
Western Europe**
  
9,115
  
8,073
  
13
  
3
Japan
  
1,661
  
1,503
  
11
  
11
Other Established ROW
  
715
  
555
  
29
  
15
Established ROW*
  
11,491
  
10,131
  
13
  
5
Emerging Europe
  
1,028
  
831
  
24
  
12
China
  
437
  
328
  
33
  
28
Emerging Asia Pacific
  
749
  
646
  
16
  
10
Other Emerging ROW
  
1,343
  
1,059
  
27
  
21
Emerging ROW
  
3,557
  
2,864
  
24
  
17
Total Sales
  
29,559
  
26,475
  
12
  
7
                 
*  Established ROW comprises Western Europe (including France, UK, Germany, Italy, Sweden and others), Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
** For the full year, Western Europe sales growth excluding Synagis™ would be 11 percent on an actual basis and 1 percent on a constant currency basis.
 
 
7
FOURTH QUARTER TERRITORIAL SALES ANALYSIS
 
           
% Growth
   
4th Quarter
  
4th Quarter
        
2007
2006
  
Constant 
$m
$m
Actual 
Currency 
US
  
3,665
  
3,390
  
8
  
8
Canada
  
331
  
263
  
26
  
10
North America
  
3,996
  
3,653
  
9
  
8
Western Europe***
  
2,453
  
2,143
  
14
  
3
Japan
  
532
  
442
  
20
  
15
Other Established ROW
  
209
  
160
  
31
  
14
Established ROW*
  
3,194
  
2,745
  
16
  
5
Emerging Europe
  
293
  
216
  
36
  
17
China
  
124
  
87
  
43
  
36
Emerging Asia Pacific
  
204
  
180
  
13
  
6
Other Emerging ROW
  
359
  
273
  
32
  
22
Emerging ROW
  
980
  
756
  
30
  
18
Total Sales
  
8,170
  
7,154
  
14
  
8

* 
Established ROW comprises Western Europe (including France, UK, Germany, Italy, Sweden and others), Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
***   For the fourth quarter, Western Europe sales growth excluding Synagis™ would be 10 percent on an actual basis and -2 percent on a constant currency basis.
 
 
8           FULL YEARPRODUCT SALES ANALYSIS
 
   
World      
  
US  
   
Full Year
2007
$m
  
Full Year
2006
$m
  
Actual
Growth
%
  
Constant
Currency
Growth
$m
  
Full Year
2007
$m
  
Actual
Growth
$m
Gastrointestinal:
                        
Nexium
  
5,216
  
5,182
  
1 
  
(2)
  
3,383
  
(4)
Losec/Prilosec
  
1,143
  
1,371
  
(17)
  
(20)
  
226
  
(3)
Others
  
84
  
78
  
8 
  
3 
  
30
  
25 
Total Gastrointestinal
  
6,443
  
6,631
  
(3)
  
(6)
  
3,639
  
(4)
Cardiovascular:
                        
Crestor
  
2,796
  
2,028
  
38 
  
33 
  
1,424
  
24 
Seloken/Toprol-XL
  
1,438
  
1,795
  
(20)
  
(22)
  
969
  
(30)
Atacand
  
1,287
  
1,110
  
16 
  
9 
  
259
  
- 
Tenormin
  
308
  
320
  
(4)
  
(8)
  
19
  
(21)
Zestril
  
295
  
307
  
(4)
  
(10)
  
18
  
(36)
Plendil
  
271
  
275
  
(1)
  
(7)
  
35
  
46 
Others
  
291
  
283
  
2 
  
(5)
  
2
  
(33)
Total Cardiovascular
  
6,686
  
6,118
  
9 
  
5 
  
2,726
  
(5)
Respiratory:
                        
Symbicort
  
1,575
  
1,184
  
33 
  
22 
  
50
  
n/m 
Pulmicort
  
1,454
  
1,292
  
13 
  
10 
  
964
  
15 
Rhinocort
  
354
  
360
  
(2)
  
(4)
  
229
  
(9)
Oxis
  
86
  
88
  
(2)
  
(10)
  
-
  
- 
Accolate
  
76
  
81
  
(6)
  
(7)
  
55
  
(7)
Others
  
166
  
146
  
14 
  
5 
  
-
  
- 
Total Respiratory
  
3,711
  
3,151
  
18 
  
12 
  
1,298
  
13 
Oncology:
                        
Arimidex
  
1,730
  
1,508
  
15 
  
10 
  
694
  
13 
Casodex
  
1,335
  
1,206
  
11 
  
6 
  
298
  
1 
Zoladex
  
1,104
  
1,008
  
10 
  
4 
  
92
  
(14)
Iressa
  
238
  
237
  
- 
  
- 
  
9
  
(44)
Ethyol
  
43
  
-
  
n/m 
  
n/m 
  
43
  
n/m 
Others
  
369
  
303
  
22 
  
18 
  
166
  
37 
Total Oncology
  
4,819
  
4,262
  
13 
  
8 
  
1,302
  
13 
Neuroscience:
                        
Seroquel
  
4,027
  
3,416
  
18 
  
15 
  
2,863
  
15 
Local anaesthetics
  
557
  
529
  
5 
  
(1)
  
45
  
(41)
Zomig
  
434
  
398
  
9 
  
5 
  
177
  
5 
Diprivan
  
263
  
304
  
(13)
  
(17)
  
40
  
(53)
Others
  
59
  
57
  
4 
  
(2)
  
15
  
- 
Total Neuroscience
  
5,340
  
4,704
  
14 
  
10 
  
3,140
  
11 
Infection and Other:
                        
Synagis
  
618
  
-
  
n/m 
  
n/m 
  
449
  
n/m 
Merrem
  
773
  
604
  
28 
  
20 
  
149
  
32 
FluMist
  
53
  
-
  
n/m 
  
n/m 
  
53
  
n/m 
Other Products
  
270
  
271
  
- 
  
(4)
  
148
  
6 
Total Infection and Other
  
1,714
  
875
  
96 
  
89 
  
799
  
217 
Aptium Oncology
  
402
  
374
  
7 
  
7 
  
402
  
7 
Astra Tech
  
444
  
360
  
23 
  
14 
  
60
  
46 
Total
  
29,559
  
26,475
  
12 
  
7 
  
13,366
  
7 
 
 
9  
FOURTH QUARTER PRODUCT SALES ANALYSIS
 
   
World      
  
US  
   
4th
Quarter
2007
$m
  
4th
Quarter
2006
$m
  
Actual
Growth
%
  
Constant
Currency
Growth
$m
  
4th
Quarter
2007
$m
  
Actual
Growth
$m
Gastrointestinal:
                        
Nexium
  
1,303
  
1,430
  
(9)
  
(12)
  
815
  
(18)
Losec/Prilosec
  
298
  
347
  
(14)
  
(20)
  
58
  
(25)
Others
  
24
  
24
  
- 
  
(4)
  
9
  
(10)
Total Gastrointestinal
  
1,625
  
1,801
  
(10)
  
(14)
  
882
  
(18)
Cardiovascular:
                        
Crestor
  
799
  
625
  
28 
  
21 
  
386
  
8 
Seloken/Toprol-XL
  
209
  
387
  
(46)
  
(50)
  
86
  
(69)
Atacand
  
353
  
301
  
17 
  
7 
  
66
  
(3)
Tenormin
  
84
  
82
  
2 
  
(5)
  
5
  
- 
Zestril
  
67
  
78
  
(14)
  
(22)
  
2
  
(71)
Plendil
  
66
  
65
  
2 
  
(6)
  
7
  
75 
Others
  
78
  
71
  
10 
  
- 
  
-
  
(100)
Total Cardiovascular
  
1,656
  
1,609
  
3 
  
(4)
  
552
  
(23)
Respiratory:
                        
Symbicort
  
436
  
323
  
35 
  
21 
  
16
  
n/m 
Pulmicort
  
447
  
400
  
12 
  
8 
  
307
  
13 
Rhinocort
  
87
  
90
  
(3)
  
(7)
  
55
  
(13)
Oxis
  
22
  
23
  
(4)
  
(13)
  
-
  
- 
Accolate
  
19
  
22
  
(14)
  
(18)
  
14
  
(18)
Others
  
45
  
41
  
10 
  
- 
  
-
  
- 
Total Respiratory
  
1,056
  
899
  
17 
  
10 
  
392
  
12 
Oncology:
                        
Arimidex
  
474
  
412
  
15 
  
8 
  
187
  
7 
Casodex
  
370
  
327
  
13 
  
6 
  
78
  
(5)
Zoladex
  
307
  
272
  
13 
  
4 
  
24
  
(11)
Iressa
  
70
  
63
  
11 
  
6 
  
2
  
(50)
Ethyol
  
16
  
-
  
n/m 
  
n/m 
  
16
  
n/m 
Others
  
102
  
83
  
23 
  
17 
  
44
  
22 
Total Oncology
  
1,339
  
1,157
  
16 
  
8 
  
351
  
9 
Neuroscience:
                        
Seroquel
  
1,086
  
912
  
19 
  
15 
  
770
  
16 
Local anaesthetics
  
159
  
133
  
20 
  
9 
  
13
  
18 
Zomig
  
114
  
103
  
11 
  
4 
  
44
  
7 
Diprivan
  
74
  
79
  
(6)
  
(13)
  
11
  
(50)
Others
  
16
  
13
  
23 
  
15 
  
4
  
100 
Total Neuroscience
  
1,449
  
1,240
  
17 
  
12 
  
842
  
14 
Infection and Other:
                        
Synagis
  
480
  
-
  
n/m 
  
n/m 
  
391
  
n/m 
Merrem
  
215
  
167
  
29 
  
18 
  
42
  
45 
FluMist
  
53
  
-
  
n/m 
  
n/m 
  
53
  
n/m 
Other Products
  
68
  
81
  
(16)
  
(22)
  
39
  
(7)
Total Infection and Other
  
816
  
248
  
229 
  
220 
  
525
  
639 
Aptium Oncology
  
102
  
98
  
4 
  
4 
  
102
  
4 
Astra Tech
  
127
  
102
  
25 
  
14 
  
19
  
73 
Total
  
8,170
  
7,154
  
14 
  
8 
  
3,665
  
8 
 
 
Convenience Translation of Key Financial Information
 
For the quarter ended 31 December
  
2007
$m
  
2006
$m
  
2007
£m
  
2006
£m
  
2007
SEKm
  
2006
SEKm
Total Sales
  
8,170
  
7,154
  
4,099
  
3,589
  
52,330
  
45,822
Operating profit
  
1,929
  
2,003
  
968
  
1,005
  
12,355
  
12,829
Profit before tax
  
1,837
  
2,103
  
922
  
1,055
  
11,766
  
13,470
Net profit for the period
  
1,275
  
1,445
  
640
  
725
  
8,167
  
9,255
Earnings per Ordinary Share
  
$0.86
  
$0.93
  
£0.43
  
£0.47
  
SEK5.51
  
SEK5.96
 
 
For the year ended 31 December
  
2007
$m
  
2006
$m
  
2007
£m
  
2006
£m
  
2007
SEKm
  
2006
SEKm
Total Sales
  
29,559 
  
26,475
  
14,830 
  
13,283
  
189,328 
  
169,575
Operating profit
  
8,094 
  
8,216
  
4,061 
  
4,122
  
51,843 
  
52,624
Profit before tax
  
7,983 
  
8,543
  
4,005 
  
4,286
  
51,132 
  
54,719
Net profit for the year
  
5,627 
  
6,063
  
2,823 
  
3,042
  
36,041 
  
38,834
Earnings per Ordinary Share
  
$3.74
  
$3.86
  
£1.88
  
£1.94
  
SEK23.96
  
SEK24.72
Dividend per Ordinary Share
  
$1.87
  
$1.72
  
£0.93
  
£0.90
  
SEK12.10
  
SEK12.20
Net cash inflow from operating activities
  
7,510 
  
7,693
  
3,768 
  
3,860
  
48,102 
  
49,274
(Decrease)/increase in cash & cash equivalents
  
(1,326)
  
2,055
  
(665)
  
1,031
  
(8,493)
  
13,162
Capital and Reserves Attributable to Equity Holders
  
14,778 
  
15,304
  
7,414 
  
7,678
  
94,655 
  
98,024

All Sterling (£) and Swedish krona (SEK) equivalents are shown for convenience and have been calculated using the current period end rates of $1= £0.501718 and $1= SEK6.405100 respectively.  Dividend per Ordinary Share is shown as the actual amount payable using the rates at the date of declaration of the dividend.
 
 
Shareholder Information
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MEETINGS 
 
Announcement of first quarter 2008 results
24 April 2008
Annual General Meeting
24 April 2008
Announcement of second quarter and half year 2008 results
31 July 2008
Announcement of third quarter and nine months 2008 results
30 October 2008

 
DIVIDENDS

The record date for the first interim dividend payable on 17 September 2007 (in the UK, Sweden and the US) was 10 August 2007.  Ordinary shares were traded ex-dividend on the London and Stockholm Stock Exchanges from 8 August 2007.  ADRs traded ex-dividend on the New York Stock Exchange from the same date.
 
The record date for the second interim dividend for 2007 payable on 17 March 2008 (in the UK, Sweden and the US) will be 8 February 2008.  Ordinary shares will trade ex-dividend on the London and Stockholm Stock Exchanges from 6 February 2008. ADRs will trade ex-dividend on the New York Stock Exchange from the same date.
 
Future dividends will normally be paid as follows:
 
First interim
Announced in July and paid in September
Second interim
Announced in January and paid in March

 
TRADEMARKS

The following brand names used in this preliminary announcement are trademarks of the AstraZeneca Group of companies:
 
Accolate  Arimidex  Astra Tech  Atacand  Casodex  Crestor  Diprivan  Ethyol  Faslodex  FluMist  Iressa  Losec  Merrem  Nexium  Nolvadex  Oxis  Plendil  Prilosec   Pulmicort  Pulmicort Respules  Rhinocort  Seloken  Seroquel  Seroquel XR  Symbicort Symbicort SMART  Synagis  Tenormin  Toprol-XL  Zestril  Zoladex  Zomig
 
 
ADDRESSES FOR CORRESPONDENCE
 
Registrar and
Transfer Office
The AstraZeneca Registrar
Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA
UK
Tel (freephone in UK):
0800 389 1580
Tel (outside UK):
+44 (0)121 415 7033
Depositary
for ADRs
JPMorgan Chase Bank
JPMorgan Service Center
PO Box 3408
South Hackensack
NJ 07606-3408
US
 
Tel (toll free in US):
888 697 8018
Tel: +1 (201) 680 6630
 
Registered Office
15 Stanhope Gate
London
W1K 1LN
UK
 
 
 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7304 5000
Swedish Securities Registration Centre
VPC AB
PO Box 7822
SE-103 97 Stockholm
Sweden
 
 
 
Tel: +46 (0)8 402 9000

 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In order to utilise the ‘safe harbour’ provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995, we are providing the following cautionary statement: This preliminary announcement contains certain forward-looking statements about AstraZeneca. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any forward-looking statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those predicted. We identify the forward-looking statements by using the words ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘expects’, ‘intends’ and similar expressions in such statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, certain of which are beyond our control, include, among other things: the loss or expiration of patents, marketing exclusivity or trade marks; the risk of substantial adverse litigation/government investigation claims and insufficient insurance coverage; exchange rate fluctuations; the risk that R&D will not yield new products that achieve commercial success; the risk that strategic alliances will be unsuccessful; the impact of competition, price controls and price reductions; taxation risks; the risk of substantial product liability claims; the impact of any failure by third parties to supply materials or services; the risk of failure to manage a crisis; the risk of delay to new product launches; the difficulties of obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals for products; the risk of failure to observe ongoing regulatory oversight; the risk that new products do not perform as we expect; the risk of environmental liabilities; the risks associated with conducting business in emerging markets; the risk of reputational damage; and the risk of product counterfeiting.
 
Item 6

AstraZeneca Development Pipeline
31 January 2008

Line Extensions

Compound
Mechanism
Area Under Investigation
Phase
Estimated Filing
MAA
NDA
Cardiovascular
Atacand
angiotensin II antagonist
diabetic retinopathy
III
1H 2009
1H 2009
Atacand Plus
angiotensin II antagonist/thiazide diuretic
32/12.5 mg, 32/25 mg for hypertension
III
2Q 2008
  
Crestor
statin
atherosclerosis
III
Launched
Launched
Crestor
statin
outcomes End Stage Renal Disease
III
1H 2009
1H 2009
Crestor
statin
outcomes in subjects with elevated CRP
III
2010
2010
Saxagliptin/Metformin FDC
DPP-4 + biguanide FDC
diabetes
III
    
Dapagliflozin/Metformin FDC
SGLT2 + biguanide FDC
diabetes
III
    
Gastrointestinal
Nexium
proton pump inhibitor
peptic ulcer bleeding
III
2Q 2008
2Q 2008
Nexium Sachet formulation
proton pump inhibitor
GERD
III
Approved**
Launched
Nexium
proton pump inhibitor
extra-oesophageal reflux disease
II
2H 2009*
2H 2009*
Nexium low dose aspirin combination
proton pump inhibitor
low dose aspirin associated peptic ulcer
III
  
1H 2009
Neuroscience
Seroquel XR
D2/5HT2 antagonist
schizophrenia
III
Approved
Launched
Seroquel
D2/5HT2 antagonist
bipolar maintenance
III
2Q 2008
Filed
Seroquel
D2/5HT2 antagonist
bipolar depression
III
1Q 2008
Launched
Seroquel XR
D2/5HT2 antagonist
generalised anxiety disorder
III
4Q 2008
2Q 2008
Seroquel XR
D2/5HT2 antagonist
major depressive disorder
III
3Q 2008
1Q 2008
Seroquel XR
D2/5HT2 antagonist
bipolar mania
III
1Q 2008
Filed
Seroquel XR
D2/5HT2 antagonist
bipolar depression
III
1Q 2008
Filed
Oncology & Infection
Faslodex
oestrogen receptor antagonist
1st line advanced breast cancer
III
    
Faslodex
oestrogen receptor antagonist
adjuvant
III
    
Iressa
EGFR-TK inhibitor
NSCLC
III
2Q 2008
  
FluMist
(MedImmune)
live, attenuated, intranasal influenza virus vaccine
influenza
III
2Q 2008
Launched

*Project Extraesophageal reflux disease (reflux asthma) will be completed but will not result in a regulatory filing.

** Approved by EU RMS, Mutual Recognition Procedure ongoing
 
31 January 2008
 1
 
Line Extensions (continued)

Compound
Mechanism
Area Under Investigation
Phase
Estimated Filing
MAA
NDA
Respiratory & Inflammation
Symbicort pMDI
inhaled steroid/fast onset, long-acting β2 agonist
asthma
III
Filed*
Launched**
Symbicort pMDI
inhaled steroid/fast onset, long-acting β2 agonist
COPD
III
Filed*
2Q 2008

*To be supplemented in 2008 with data supporting two additional strengths.
**US approval based on 12 years and above.
 
31 January 2008
 2
 
NCE’s

Phase III

Compound
Mechanism
Area Under Investigation
Phase
Estimated Filing
MAA
NDA
Cardiovascular
AZD6140
ADP receptor antagonist
arterial thrombosis
III
2H 2009
2H 2009
Saxagliptin
dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor
diabetes
III
2H 2009
2Q 2008
Dapagliflozin
sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor
diabetes
III
2010
2010
Crestor/ABT-335
statin + fibrate fixed combination
dyslipidaemia
III
  
2H 2009
Neuroscience
PN400
naproxen +esomeprazole
signs and symptoms of OA , RA, and AS
III
1H 2009
1H 2009
Oncology & Infection
Zactima
VEGF/EGF TK inhibitor with RET kinase activity
NSCLC
III
4Q 2008
4Q 2008
Recentin
VEGF signalling inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI)
NSCLC and CRC
II/III
2010
2010
Recentin
VEGF signalling inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI)
recurrent glioblastoma
III
2010
2010
ZD4054
endothelin A receptor antagonist
hormone resistant prostate cancer
III
2011
2011
Motavizumab
(MedImmune)
humanized monoclonal antibody
RSV prevention
III
1H 2009
1Q 2008
 
31 January 2008
 3

NCE’s

Phases I and II

Compound
Mechanism
Area Under Investigation
Phase
Estimated Filing
MAA
NDA
Cardiovascular
AZD0837
thrombin inhibitor
thrombosis
II
2012
2012
AZD4121
cholesterol absorption inhibitor
dyslipidaemia
II
    
AZD2207
CB1 antagonist
diabetes/obesity
II
    
AZD1175
CB1 antagonist
diabetes/obesity
I
    
AZD1305
antiarrhythmic
arrhythmias
I
    
AZD6370
GLK activator
diabetes
I
    
Gastrointestinal
AZD3355
inhibitor of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR)
GERD
II
2011
2011
AZD2066
metabotropic Glutamate receptors subtype 5
GERD
I
    
AZD1386
Vanilloid receptor 1 antagonist
GERD
I
    
Neuroscience
AZD3480
neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist
cognitive disorders in schizophrenia
II
2011
2011
AZD3480
neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist
Alzheimers
II
2011
2011
AZD6765
NMDA receptor antagonist
depression
II
    
AZD2327
enkephalinergic receptor modulator
anxiety and depression
I
    
AZD5904
inhibitor of myeloperoxidase (MPO)
multiple sclerosis
I
    
AZD3241
inhibitor of myeloperoxidase (MPO)
Parkinson’s disease
I
    
AZD0328
selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist
Alzheimers
I
    
AZD1940
CB receptor agonist
nociceptive and neuropathic pain
I
    
AZD2624
NK receptor antagonist
schizophrenia
I
    
AZD1386
Vanilloid receptor antagonist
chronic nociceptive pain
I
    
AZD2066
metabotropic Glutamate receptors
chronic nociceptive pain
I
    
AZD7325
GABA receptor subtype partial agonist
anxiety
I
    
AZD6280
GABA receptor subtype partial agonist
anxiety
I
    
TC-5619 (Targacept)
neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist
cognitive disorders in schizophrenia
I
    
 
 
31 January 2008
 4
 
Phases I and II (continued)

Compound
Mechanism
Area Under Investigation
Phase
Estimated Filing
MAA
NDA
Oncology & Infection
Zactima
VEGF/EGF TK inhibitor with RET kinase activity
medullary thyroid cancer
II
4Q 2008
4Q 2008
CytoFab
anti-TNF-alpha polyclonal antibody
severe sepsis
II
    
AZD6244 (ARRY-142886)
MEK inhibitor
solid tumours
II
    
AZD2281
PARP inhibitor
breast cancer
II
    
EBV vaccine*
Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine
post-transplant proliferative disease
II
    
AZD2836
5a replicon
hepatitis C
II
    
AZD0530
SRC kinase inhibitor
solid tumours and haematological malignancies
II
    
MEDI-524
(Motavizumab)
MAb targets F-Protein
early and late treatment of disease in paeds>1 yr
II
    
MEDI-561
HSP 90 inhibitor
solid tumours
II
  
2010
AZD1152
aurora kinase inhibitor
solid tumours and haematological malignancies
I
    
AZD4769
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor
solid tumours
I
    
AZD4877
Cell Cycle Agent
solid tumours and haematological malignancies
I
    
AZD8931
erbB kinase inhibitor
solid tumours
I
    
AZD7762
CHK1 Kinase Inhibitor
solid tumours
I
    
AZD8330
(ARRY-424704)
MEK inhibitor
solid tumours
I
    
CAT-8015
recombinant immunotoxin
haematological malignancies
I
    
MEDI-534
RSV/PIV-3 vaccine
intranasal immunisation
I
    
MEDI-560
PIV-3 vaccine
intranasal immunisation
I
    
H5N1
H5N1 Influenza Virus Vaccine
pandemic influenza vaccine
I
    
MEDI-538
CD19 B cells
leukaemia/lymphoma
I
    
MEDI-564
F protein inhibitor
RSV treatment
I
    
CMV Vaccine
CMV vaccine
cytomegalovirus
I
    
MEDI-557
YTE – extended half-life RSV Mab
RSV Prophylaxis
I
    

*Partnered product
 
31 January 2008
 5

Phases I and II (continued)

Compound
Mechanism
Area Under Investigation
Phase
Estimated Filing
MAA
NDA
Respiratory & Inflammation
AZD9056
ion channel blocker (P2X7)
rheumatoid arthritis
II
2012
2012
AZD1981
Prostaglandin receptor antagonist
asthma
II
    
AZD5672
Chemokine antagonist (CCR5)
rheumatoid arthritis
II
2012
2012
MEDI-528
anti-IL-9 antibody
asthma
II
    
AZD4818
CCR1 antagonist
COPD
I
    
CAT-354
anti-IL-13 antibody
asthma
I
    
AZD5904
MPO inhibitor
COPD
I
    
AZD1744
Dual CCR3/H1 receptor antagonist
COPD
I
    
AZD1236
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition
COPD
I
    
AZD9668
Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor
COPD
I
    
MEDI-563
anti-IL-5R antibody
asthma
I
    
MEDI-545
anti-IFNa antibody
SLE, myositis
I
    
Pneumococcal vaccine*
Pneumococcal vaccine
Streptococcus pneumoniae
I
    
AZD3199
iLABA
asthma/COPD
I
    
CAM-3001
anti-GM-CSFR antibody
rheumatoid arthritis
I
    

*Partnered product
 
31 January 2008
 6
 
AstraZeneca Development Pipeline
Discontinued Projects vs 26 July 2007 HY

Cardiovascular & Gastrointestinal
NCE/Line Extension
Compound
Area Under Investigation
NCE
AZD1283
thrombosis
NCE
AZD3988
diabetes/obesity
NCE
AZD3118
arrhythmias
LE
Crestor Outcomes CHF
CHF
LE
Nexium NSAID GI  US
ulcer healing
LE
Nexium NSAID GI side effects US
symptom resolution
NCE
AZD9056
Inflammatory bowel disease

Neuroscience
NCE/Line Extension
Compound
Area Under Investigation
NCE
AZD3783
anxiety & depression
NCE
AZD1080
Alzheimers

Oncology & Infection
NCE/Line Extension
Compound
Area Under Investigation
NCE
AZD6495
range of tumours
NCE
CAT-5001
solid tumours
NCE
AZD5180
solid tumours
NCE
hMPV MAb
respiratory infection
NCE
MEDI-552
leukaemia/lymphoma
NCE
MEDI-555
solid tumours
NCE
MEDI-562
solid tumours
NCE
CAT-3888
hairy cell leukaemia
NCE
AZD9935
solid tumours
NCE
AZD4992
breast cancer

Respiratory & Inflammation
NCE/Line Extension
Compound
Area Under Investigation
NCE
MEDI-552
inflammation
NCE
Anti-IL6 MAb
inflammation
NCE
anti Chitinase MAb
asthma/COPD
NCE
AZD6357
osteoarthritis
NCE
AZD6605
osteoarthritis

Comments
As disclosure of compound information is balanced by the business need to maintain confidentiality, information in relation to some compounds listed here has not been disclosed at this time.

Compounds in development are displayed by phase.

Projects shaded in grey were communicated as discontinued at the Biologics Review, Dec 7th 2007

Abbreviations:

MAA – Marketing Authorisation Application (Europe).
NDA – New Drug Application/Biologics Licensing Application (USA).
 
31 January 2008
 7
 
 

Item 7


Transparency Directive
Voting Rights and Capital

The following notification is made in accordance with the UK Financial Services Authority Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5.6.1.   On 31 January 2008 the issued share capital of AstraZeneca PLC with voting rights is 1,457,011,985 ordinary shares of US$0.25.   No shares are held in Treasury. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in AstraZeneca PLC is 1,457,011,985.

The above figure for the total number of voting rights may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, AstraZeneca PLC under the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.


G H R Musker
Company Secretary
31 January 2008