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Glossary
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TermDescription
Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) A marketing approval application for a generic drug submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration.
ACE (Inhibitor) Angiotensin-converting enzyme blocks the production of a hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II narrows blood vessels and thereby raises blood pressure.
ACS Acute Coronary Syndrome, an umbrella term used to cover any group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardialischemia.
Adjuvant Assisting in the prevention, improvement or cure of disease.
ADP Adenosine diphosphate attaches to receptors on the surface of platelets to form blood clots.
ADR American Depositary Receipt evidencing title to an ADS.
ADS American Depositary Share representing one underlying Ordinary Share.
Agonist A substance capable of binding to a molecular target to initiate or enhance a physiological reaction.
Anaesthesia The total or partial loss of sensation, especially in relation to pain.
Analgesia The inability to feel pain.
Antagonist A substance capable of binding to a molecular target to neutralise or counteract a physiological reaction.
Anti-androgen A drug that blocks the cellular uptake of testosterone by the prostate gland and used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Anti-psychotic drug For the treatment of the unrealistic ideas, delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (false perceptions) that can appear during depression or mania.
Aromatase inhibitor A drug that inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which is involved in the production of the female sex hormone, oestrogen.
AstraZeneca or AstraZeneca Group AstraZeneca PLC and its subsidiaries.
Atherosclerosis Disease of the arteries linked to the build-up of lipids (fats) in the walls and the formation of atheromatous plaque, which contracts the lumen of these vessels.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) Abnormal irregular heart rhythm with chaotic generation of electrical signals in the atria of the heart.
Atypical anti-psychotic drugs Second generation drugs to treat psychosis with reduced likelihood to cause movement disorders.
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