AstraZeneca announced today that an updated review of the safety profile for CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin) 10-40mg in over 15,000 patients, will be presented as a poster at the 2nd annual meeting of the Asia Pacific Scientific Forum, in Honolulu; June 8–10, 2003. The abstract, which covers data as of October, 2002, will be available online today via the conference website at: www.americanheart.org

The data confirm the benefit-risk profile of CRESTOR, with the authors concluding that: ‘Compared with other statins, rosuvastatin 10-40mg is highly beneficial in terms of lipid profiles and goal attainment with a reassuring safety profile.’

Regulatory Update

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today confirmed that CRESTOR will be reviewed by the FDA’s Endocrinologic and Metabolic Advisory Committee on July 9, 2003. AstraZeneca is confident in the regulatory package submitted for CRESTOR and looks forward to presenting data from the extensive clinical trial program, confirming its efficacy and safety.

CRESTOR was first approved in the Netherlands in 2002 and has now successfully completed the Mutual Recognition Procedure in 13 other European countries. CRESTOR is awaiting approval in the US, Japan and other markets. Launches in Canada, the Netherlands and the UK have occurred, and further launches are scheduled, following national marketing authorisations and pricing and reimbursement discussions.