Director Shareholding

AstraZeneca PLC
06 May 2005



Dealing by Directors

Companies Act 1985 Sections 324/329


We hereby inform you that, on 5 May 2005, Mr J R Symonds, a Director of the
Company, acquired 298 of the Company's USD0.25 Ordinary Shares at a price of
£22.64 per share following the exercise of an option under the AstraZeneca
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme.

On 5 May 2005, Mr Symonds also purchased 300 of the Company's USD0.25 Ordinary
Shares at a price of £23.64 per share using the proceeds of a savings account
linked to an option under the AstraZeneca Savings-Related Share granted to him
in 2001 at an option price of £29.71.  This option will lapse on 1 June 2005 if
not exercised before then.

Mr Symonds' interest in the Ordinary Shares of the Company has increased to
11,527 shares, which represents less than 0.001 per cent of the number of shares
in issue.   Mr Symonds now has options over 312,753 Ordinary Shares.


G H R Musker
Company Secretary

6 May 2005


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