Research Update: AZD3582

AstraZeneca PLC
18 February 2003


RESEARCH UPDATE ON AZD3582

AstraZeneca and NicOx today announced that AZD3582, in development for the
treatment of acute and chronic nociceptive pain, showed efficacy in a recently
completed Phase II clinical study, but did not reach its primary end point with
respect to gastro-intestinal ulcers.

The majority of the secondary objectives, including protection against
gastro-intestinal damage (when ulcers and erosions are combined), were achieved
and overall AZD3582 was well tolerated.

AstraZeneca remains committed to the completion of the ongoing AZD3582 Phase II
development programme.

AstraZeneca, together with NicOx, will review the data generated from the
several ongoing AZD3582 Phase II clinical studies in the programme in order to
decide on the further development plans for AZD3582 and the CINOD class.



18 February 2003



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