AstraZeneca expands US presence with new research centre

ASTRAZENECA EXPANDS US PRESENCE WITH NEW $100M RESEARCH CENTRE AstraZeneca today announced the opening of its newest research centre, AstraZeneca R&D Boston. The $100 million research centre houses 130 scientists researching infectious diseases, cancer and high-throughput screening technologies that enable novel, scientific approaches to pharmaceutical research. Dr Claes Wilhelmsson, AstraZeneca's Director of Research & Development said: "AstraZeneca R&D Boston will play an important role in achieving our target to deliver three or more medically important, commercially successful, new products per year." Dr Tom McKillop, chief executive of AstraZeneca said, "AstraZeneca R&D Boston exemplifies our commitment to expand our capabilities in the important US market. The new site will enable AstraZeneca to take advantage of an outstanding pool of US-based scientists and other healthcare professionals and enable us to establish and strengthen relationships with some of the most prestigious institutions in the world." AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $15 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. For further information: Staffan Ternby, +4+ 8 553 261 07 Steve Brown, +44 20 7304 5033 Lucy Williams, +44 20 7304 5034 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/06/27/20000627BIT00800/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/06/27/20000627BIT00800/bit0002.pdf