Sales of Prilosec

7/21/1998 8:23 AM EST

Total sales of Prilosec (Losec) in the U.S. through Astra Merck, Inc., during
the second quarter of 1998 amounted to USD 900 (1997: 500) m., an increase of
80 percent.

Total sales of Prilosec during the period January - June 1998 amounted to USD
1,630 (1,015) m., an increase of 61 percent, corresponding to approximately
SEK 12,900 (7,600) m. Growth in total prescriptions May, year-to-date, was
fully 30 percent.

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Sales of Plendil through Astra Merck during the first half of 1998 amounted
to USD 75 (55) m., corresponding to approximately SEK 590 (400) m.

The strong sales growth of Prilosec and Plendil was partly due to changes in
inventory levels among wholesalers.

As of July 1, 1998, Astra completed the previously announced restructuring of
the relationship with Merck & Co., Inc., whereby the businesses of the
formerly half-owned Astra Merck and Astra's wholly owned subsidiary Astra USA,
Inc., were combined to form Astra Pharmaceuticals, L.P., a new U.S. limited
partnership, with Astra as the general partner.

Contact Persons:
Mikael Widell, Press Officer, PR & Information, Astra AB, +46 8 553 264 28
Michael Olsson, Manager, Investor Relations, Astra AB, +46 8 553 259 52
Jörgen Winroth, Investor Relations U.S., Astra AB,+1 609 896 4148