Bangalore, Monday 18 December 2006:

AstraZeneca is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Indian Manufacturing Excellence Award (Platinum) 2006 in the healthcare category.

Frost & Sullivan India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA) have been instituted to recognize and applaud the efforts of companies toward achieving an excellent-to-world class manufacturing status. It also recognizes excellence in manufacturing practices that lead to high levels of customer satisfaction and Return on Total Assets (ROTA). The mission of these awards is to recognize the Indian manufacturing capability and assess its global competitiveness.

Mr. Bhasker Iyer, Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd. said “We are delighted to be recognized for our excellence and commitment to manufacturing in India. AstraZeneca has invested significantly both in financial and people terms in its sophisticated production facility which is designed to meet the most stringent international standards and conforms to WHO cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) norms.”

Mr. U.N. Misra, VP Operations AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd said “We are proud and honoured to receive this award. Recognition for this award should be attributed to the dedication and hard work of the 250 people that are employed at this facility who endeavour each day to ensure that the facility is consistently rated as one of the finest in this part of Asia.”

AstraZeneca’s manufacturing facility spread over 66 acres of lush, green environs at Yelahanka, Bangalore is ISO 14001 certified and has a full-fledged environment management system in place. It also has Swedish MPA approval for bulk drug facility.

About Frost & Sullivan Awards

Frost & Sullivan Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate excellence in their industry, commending diligence, commitment, and innovative business strategies required to advance in the global marketplace. Frost & Sullivan rigorously analyzes specific criteria to determine award recipients in a variety of regional and global markets. These awards recognize the superior planning and execution of product launches, strategic alliances, distribution strategies, technological innovations, customer service, and mergers and acquisitions. A host of other crucial marketing factors such as leadership, strategy, service, innovation, integration, and development are also recognized. The companies that are commended as award recipients are those with the diligence, perseverance, and dedication required to develop a successful business plan and excel in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com

About AstraZeneca

In India, AstraZeneca’s presence includes: AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited (AZPIL), the Marketing Company, with products in six major therapeutic areas - Cardiovascular, Oncology, Maternal Healthcare, Infection, Respiratory, Neuroscience & Gastrointestinal and a world-class manufacturing unit conforming to WHO current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

AstraZeneca India Pvt. Ltd. (AZIPL), the centre of excellence established in 1996, and an integrated part of the AstraZeneca R&D network, is the only MNC in India focused on discovering novel drugs or therapies for tuberculosis. A new, state-of-the-art Process R&D facility, employing over 50 scientists, will be operational by March2007. For more information, visit http://www.astrazeneca.com

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