Final Results

AstraZeneca PLC
31 January 2002

PART 1

AstraZeneca PLC

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results 2001

'Earnings per share up 11 percent.  Strong portfolio to drive transformation at
AstraZeneca.'

Financial Highlights (before Exceptional Items)

Group                      4th Quarter  4th Quarter    Constant            Full Year        Full Year    Constant
(Continuing operations*)          2001        2000*    Currency                 2001            2000*    Currency

                                    $m           $m           %                   $m               $m           %

Sales                            4,440        4,144          +8               16,480           15,804          +8

Operating Profit                 1,090          971         +12                4,156            3,984          +6

Profit before Tax                1,102        1,034         +12                4,269            4,110          +7

Earnings per Share
  Group                          $0.47        $0.42         +18                $1.77            $1.64         +11
  Group (Statutory FRS3)         $0.43        $0.19                            $1.69            $1.44



* Excluding Agrochemicals from prior period except for statutory FRS3 EPS

All narrative in this section refers to growth rates at constant exchange rates
(CER)

- NexiumTM achieves full year sales of $580 million.  NexiumTM share of new
  prescriptions in US PPI market up to 16.3 percent in December.

- Outside of GI, sales for the full year up 12 percent, and up 16 percent in
  the fourth quarter.  Strong growth in Respiratory, Oncology, and CNS product
  ranges.

- SymbicortTM achieves rapid market penetration, with sales in fourth
  quarter reaching $49 million; rollout in Europe continues.

- CasodexTM sNDA for the treatment of Early Prostate Cancer was submitted to
  US FDA on 20 December.

- IressaTM clinical data package submitted to US FDA on 28 December,
  supporting IressaTM as monotherapy treatment of advanced non-small cell lung
  cancer in patients who have failed previous chemotherapy regimens.

- Positive trial results for ArimidexTM as adjuvant treatment of early
  breast cancer presented in December. US FDA grants Fast Track status to the
  planned sNDA for this indication.

- Board extends share buyback programme by an additional $2 billion.

Tom McKillop, Chief Executive, said:  'Investments in R&D and strengthening of
our sales and marketing capabilities have positioned AstraZeneca to realise the
full value of our promising pipeline.  Sales momentum from existing growth
products, recent launches of NexiumTM and SymbicortTM, and the launches of
FaslodexTM, IressaTM, and CrestorTM planned for this year will drive the
transformation of our portfolio over the next two years.'

London, 31 January 2002


Media Enquiries:              Steve Brown/Emily Denney (London)            [phone]/5034
                              Staffan Ternby (Sodertalje)                  (8) 553 26107
                              Rachel Bloom (Wilmington)                    [phone]

Analyst/Investor Enquiries:   Mina Blair-Robinson (London)                 [phone]
                              Staffan Ternby (Sodertalje)                  (8) 553 26107
                              Ed Seage (Wilmington)                        [phone]
                              Jorgen Winroth (Wayne)                       [phone]

Photographs of the AstraZeneca annual results conference are available from
newscast at www.newscast.co.uk from 1pm (UK time) today.


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

For the full year, sales increased by 8 percent, and operating profits by 6
percent.  The strength of the US dollar reduced reported sales and profits by 4
percent and 2 percent respectively. Earnings per share (before exceptional
items) grew by 11 percent to $1.77.  The Board has recommended a second interim
dividend of $0.47 (33.2 pence, SEK 5.01) which will be paid on 8 April 2002.

In the fourth quarter sales increased by 8 percent, and operating profits by 12
percent.  Exchange rates reduced reported sales by 1 percent, but had no impact
on operating profits.  Earnings per share (before exceptional items) grew by 18
percent to $0.47.

GI franchise sales were up 2 percent for the year.  LosecTM sales outside the US
grew by 4 percent.  In the US, total prescriptions for PrilosecTM trended lower
(down around 6 percent), and with reduced trade inventories US PrilosecTM sales
were down by 13 percent for the full year.  NexiumTM continued its strong
performance, with sales for the year reaching $580 million, including $456
million in the US.  Over four million prescriptions were written for NexiumTM in
the US alone in 2001.  Sales outside of the US progressed well in the fourth
quarter, to $47 million, bringing the full year total to $124 million.

Outside of GI, sales growth for the full year was 12 percent.  Growth in the
Respiratory product range (up 17 percent) was fuelled by the continued growth of
PulmicortTM RespulesTM in the US and the excellent launch performance of
SymbicortTM in its European roll out.  Oncology products were up by 16 percent
on the year. SeroquelTM (up 67 percent) and ZomigTM (up 20 percent) led the CNS
product range to a 48 percent increase.

Other developments in the fourth quarter included the submission of the sNDA for
CasodexTM in the treatment of early prostate cancer to the US FDA on 20
December, followed on 28 December by the submission of the clinical data package
for IressaTM in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer refractory
to previous therapy.  Also in December, new data were presented demonstrating
that ArimidexTM is significantly more effective, and has important tolerability
benefits, compared with tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment in post menopausal women
with early breast cancer.  Regulatory submissions for this new indication will
be made in the US and Europe in the first quarter of 2002, and the US FDA has
granted the application fast track status.

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

Investment in Research and Development over the past few years and more recent
strengthening of our sales and marketing capability have positioned the company
to realise the full potential of its promising pipeline.

Over the next two years, continued execution of our transformation strategy
could result in offsetting the sales potentially lost to generic competition
with incremental sales from three groups of products: the established growth
products, the recently launched NexiumTM and SymbicortTM, as well as from the
anticipated launches of FaslodexTM in the first half of this year, IressaTM and
CrestorTM in the second half, and ExantaTM in 2003.

The short-term outlook for sales and profits is clearly sensitive to product
approvals and launch timings, as well as assumptions regarding the timing of
generic competition for some mature products.  Forecasting with so many
variables is challenging, and a wide range of outcomes is possible.  The company
believes in the strength of the intellectual property relating to PrilosecTM,
however we cannot preclude the possibility that generic omeprazole could enter
the US market as early as the second quarter.  Even on this timing, and also
assuming a rate of sales erosion comparable to fluoxetine, financial modelling
suggests sales for 2002 could be broadly flat.  On flat sales, earnings could be
around the middle of the range of current market expectations, which lie between
$1.51 and $1.66 per share.

When the transformation of the portfolio is complete AstraZeneca will be well
positioned for a period of accelerating sales and earnings growth, which should
result in top tier financial performance in the pharmaceutical sector.

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.  These include, but are not limited to: the timing of the
launch of generic omeprazole in the US, the successful registration and launch
of new products (in particular NexiumTM and CrestorTM), continued growth of
currently marketed products, the growth in costs and expenses, the amount of net
interest income earned on the Group's cash balances, exchange rate fluctuations,
and further improvements in the tax rate.  For further details on these and
other risks and uncertainties, see AstraZeneca PLC's Securities and Exchange
Commission filings, including the 2000 annual report on Form 20-F.


Sales

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

Gastrointestinal
                                   Fourth Quarter              CER %        Full Year                CER %
                                      2001        2000                      2001        2000

LosecTM/PrilosecTM                   1,397       1,728           -19       5,684       6,260            -7

NexiumTM                               285          13           n/m         580          17           n/m

Total                                1,696       1,752            -3       6,308       6,322            +2

- NexiumTM sales for the quarter totalled $285 million, including $238
million in the US.  NexiumTM share of new prescriptions in the US PPI market now
stands at 16.3 percent for the month of December, up another 3 points in the
quarter.  Over 4 million prescriptions have been written for NexiumTM in the US
since its introduction in March 2001, leading to an increase of over 2 million
total prescriptions for AstraZeneca's PPI franchise (including PrilosecTM)
compared to 2000.

- NexiumTM sales outside of the US reached $124 million for the full year.
The product has now been launched in 38 countries, with another 49 planned for
2002, including France, Italy, and Belgium.  NexiumTM share of the PPI segment
in all major launch markets (including the US) was 10 percent by value in
November, exceeding both pantoprazole and rabeprazole to become the third
largest PPI by value.

- Sales of LosecTM in markets outside of the US were up by 4 percent for the
year.  Performance was notably strong in France (up 17 percent) and Italy (up 45
percent), two large European markets which have yet to launch NexiumTM.  In
Japan, the long-term treatment indication and the launch of the 10 mg tablet
resulted in an 85 percent increase in sales for the year.

- In the US, PrilosecTM sales were down 13 percent for the full year, more
than the modest 6 percent decline in total prescriptions.  This difference is
largely attributable to reduced inventory levels at the end of the year compared
to the fourth quarter last year when wholesalers increased stocks ahead of an
anticipated price increase.

- The PrilosecTM patent infringement cases against four generic companies
continue to be heard in the US District Court in New York.

- EntocortTM EC was launched in the US on 19 November for the treatment of
active mild to moderate Crohn's disease.


Cardiovascular
                                   Fourth Quarter              CER %        Full Year                CER %
                                      2001        2000                      2001        2000

ZestrilTM                              265         228           +15       1,097       1,188            -6

AtacandTM                              125          97           +27         414         293           +46

SelokenTM / Toprol-XLTM                168         172            -3         722         577           +28

PlendilTM                              139         127           +10         471         480            +2

Total                                  916         842            +9       3,537       3,477            +6

- The underlying prescription demand for ZestrilTM in the US (up 5 percent)
remained steady throughout 2001.  The uneven phasing of wholesaler shipments, as
well as higher rebates on performance-based contracts contributed to the
reported 6 percent decline in worldwide sales for the year.

- SelokenTM sales growth was driven by the continued strong performance of
Toprol-XLTM in the US.  Prescriptions for Toprol-XLTM were up 32 percent, aided
by the new indication for congestive heart failure launched earlier in the year.
Reported sales had been running well above prescription demand throughout
2001, so the unfavourable fourth quarter comparison brought reported sales in
the US for the full year (up 47 percent) more in line with the prescription
trend.

- AtacandTM continues to perform well across all major markets.  Sales
outside of the US grew by 58 percent.  Reported sales in the US for the year (up
29 percent) were below the strong 47 percent growth in total prescriptions.


Respiratory
                                   Fourth Quarter              CER %        Full Year                CER %
                                      2001        2000                      2001        2000

PulmicortTM                            205         193            +4         775         705           +14

AccolateTM                              31          21           +48         146         152            -2

RhinocortTM                             75          56           +34         269         221           +25

OxisTM                                  33          32             -         127         116           +15

SymbicortTM                             49           -           n/m          83           -           n/m

Total                                  433         348           +23       1,556       1,372           +17

- As a result of the strong performance of PulmicortTM RespulesTM, total
PulmicortTM sales were up 80 percent in the US market, more than offsetting the
4 percent decline outside the US.

- RhinocortTM Aqua increased its share of the aqueous intranasal steroid
segment of the rhinitis market in the US to 11.6 percent in December, up from
6.8 percent a year ago; it is the driver behind the growth of RhinocortTM
worldwide.

- SymbicortTM has now been launched in the major markets in Europe, and 23
countries in total.  Rapid market penetration has been achieved in many of these
markets in a matter of weeks after launch; prospects for further growth will be
enhanced by regulatory submissions for COPD in the European Union in the first
quarter of 2002.


Oncology
                                   Fourth Quarter              CER %        Full Year                CER %
                                      2001        2000                      2001        2000

CasodexTM                              176         119           +50         569         433           +37

ArimidexTM                              52          39           +33         191         156           +27

NolvadexTM                             184         171            +9         630         576           +12

ZoladexTM                              209         181           +17         728         734            +5

Total                                  627         518           +23       2,146       1,929           +16

- CasodexTM is the world's leading anti-androgen for the treatment of
prostate cancer.  Strong growth was reported in all major markets.  Sales for
the full year increased 27 percent in the US, 43 percent in Europe, and 56
percent in Japan.  Approvals for the use of CasodexTM 150 mg tablets for the
treatment of early stage prostate cancer have been granted in 11 markets to
date; the sNDA for this important new indication was submitted to the FDA on 20
December.

- ArimidexTM remains the leading product in the aromatase inhibitor market
for breast cancer treatment.  Sales in the US for the full year were up 15
percent, broadly in line with the trend in total prescriptions.  Sales outside
the US grew by 34 percent, on good growth in Europe (up 17 percent) and
excellent performance in Japan since its launch in February.

- The positive results of the ATAC (ArimidexTM, Tamoxifen, Alone or in
Combination) study were first presented in December, which showed that Arimidex
TM is significantly more effective and has important tolerability benefits
compared with the current gold standard, tamoxifen, as an adjuvant treatment in
postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.  The US FDA has granted 'fast
track' status for the supplementary license application for this new indication.
  Regulatory submissions will also be made in Europe in the first quarter 2002.

CNS
                                   Fourth Quarter              CER %        Full Year                CER %
                                      2001        2000                      2001        2000

SeroquelTM                             174         131           +34         700         424           +67

ZomigTM                                 68          59           +15         277         237           +20

Total                                  248         190           +32         999         685           +48

- SeroquelTM sales for the quarter (up 34 percent) were up against a strong
prior year comparison in the US.  For the full year, sales in the US were up 51
percent, in line with the strong growth in prescriptions.  Market share in the
US is now 16 percent of new prescriptions.  With the successful launch in Japan,
and continued growth in Europe, sales outside the US grew to $132 million for
the year.

- Sales of ZomigTM increased by 20 percent.  The August launch in Japan and
good growth in Europe, particularly for ZomigTM RapimeltTM, were the key
contributors.  In the US, ZomigTM share of new prescriptions increased to 15.6
percent, aided somewhat by the launch of ZomigTM ZMT 2.5 mg.  The 5 mg tablet of
ZomigTM is the lead strength in the US market, and the ZomigTM ZMT 5mg tablet
was launched there in October.


Pain, Infection and Other Pharma
                                   Fourth Quarter              CER %        Full Year                CER %
                                      2001        2000                      2001        2000

MerremTM                                65          48           +37         227         170           +40

DiprivanTM                             136         114           +20         465         507            -4

XylocaineTM                             57          63            -7         212         238            -5

MarcaineTM                              26          25            +4          87          92             -

Total                                  408         398            +8       1,511       1,623             -

- For MerremTM, good growth in Europe (up 21 percent for the year) and
continued market share gains in the US led to strong growth for the quarter and
the full year.

Geographic Sales
                               Fourth Quarter               CER %         Full Year                 CER %
                                  2001         2000                       2001         2000

USA                              2,275        2,177            +5        8,700        8,153            +7

Europe                           1,451        1,293            +8        5,270        5,166            +8

Japan                              260          244           +16          851          825           +16

RoW                                454          430           +18        1,659        1,660            +9

- Sales growth in the US featured the very successful launch of NexiumTM,
which generated $456 million in just nine months on the market.  Excluding sales
of PrilosecTM, sales growth was a robust 28 percent for the full year, with
strong showings for SeroquelTM, Toprol-XLTM, and PulmicortTM.

- Good double digit growth in France and Italy drove performance in Europe.
Product highlights in the region include the launches of NexiumTM and Symbicort
TM, as well as good growth in AtacandTM, CasodexTM and SeroquelTM.

- Strong growth in LosecTM (up 85 percent) and CasodexTM (up 56 percent) and
the launches of SeroquelTM, ArimidexTM, and ZomigTM fuelled the excellent
results in Japan.


Operating Profit

Operating profit before exceptional items grew by 12 percent to $1,090 million
in the quarter and by 6 percent to $4,156 million for the year.

There was no currency impact on profits in the fourth quarter due to the Euro
being at similar levels to the dollar as in the fourth quarter 2000.  For the
full year, currency reduced operating profits by 2%.  The adverse effect of the
Euro was partially offset by a favourable impact from our Pounds Sterling and
Swedish Krona cost base.  For 2002, if current spot rates stay constant for the
remainder of the year, we would estimate a 2-3% adverse impact on sales with a
lower impact on earnings per share.

Operating margin for the year of 25.2% was unchanged from 2000.  Cost of Sales
as a percent of sales was broadly similar to that of 2000 (excluding the effect
of a reclassification of distribution costs).  Research & Development costs at
$2.7 billion were 16.3 percent of sales. Increases in R&D expenditure to support
the megabrand launches were offset by currency benefits, particularly from the
Swedish R&D sites.  Selling costs increased as a result of the new product
launches and field force expansion in the US whilst G&A costs continue to be
tightly controlled.  Other operating income increased to $368 million for the
full year (2.2% of sales); including $64 million in the fourth quarter.

Synergy benefits of $1 billion were realised in 2001.  A final exceptional
charge of $202 million was taken in 2001 bringing the total programme charge to
$1,388 million.  Whilst the integration and synergy programme from the merger is
now largely complete, AstraZeneca continues to identify areas for further
significant improvement to enable the business to function fast and effectively.

Interest

The Group recorded net interest and dividend income of $113 million for the full
year.  Net interest income for the fourth quarter of $12 million reflects the
impact of lower US interest rates as well as $14 million of exchange losses.
The drop from the fourth quarter of 2000 was due to exchange gains in 2000 of
$46 million.

Taxation

Excluding exceptional items, the effective tax rate for 2001 was 27% compared
with 29% for 2000.

Cash Flow

In 2001 cash generated from operating activities before exceptional items
amounted to $4.1 billion, and cash from net interest income amounted to $0.2
billion. This was applied to exceptional outflows of $0.4 billion, net capital
expenditure and financial investment of $1.6 billion, tax payments of $0.8
billion, and dividends of $1.2 billion.  Net cash inflow before management of
liquid resources was $0.3 billion.  After share buy-backs less issues of $1.0
billion, the outflow in net cash funds was $0.7 billion.

At 31 December 2001 the Group had net cash funds of $2.9 billion.

Share Repurchase Programme

During the quarter, 6.75 million Ordinary Shares were re-purchased (nominal
value $0.25 each) for cancellation, bringing the total for the year to 23.5
million at a total cost of $1,080 million.

The total number of shares re-purchased for cancellation since the start of the
programme in December 1999 now stands at 37.2 million at an aggregate cost of
$1,616 million.  The total number of shares in issue (as at 31 December 2001) is
1,745 million.

The share buy-back programme will continue to form an integral part of the
Company's financial management programme and the Board has decided to extend the
buy-back programme by an additional $2 billion to be completed by the end of
2003.

Upcoming Milestones and Key Events

First Quarter       ArimidexTM adjuvant treatment regulatory submissions

First Quarter       SymbicortTM COPD regulatory submissions in Europe

25 April            First Quarter Results and Annual General Meeting

Tom McKillop
Chief Executive

                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange


MORE TO FOLLOW