AstraZeneca submits first regulatory application for Symbicort
ASTRAZENECA SUBMITS FIRST REGULATORY APPLICATION FOR ITS NEW ASTHMA MEDICATION SYMBICORT VIA EUROPEAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION AstraZeneca today announced that the regulatory application for Symbicort@ , budesonide and formoterol in a single inhaler (Turbuhaler@) for maintenance therapy in asthma, has been submitted to the authorities in Sweden as the first step in the European Union's mutual recognition procedure. Applications for the new product will follow in early 2000 in further countries. The new product combines the proven benefits of the anti-inflammatory drug budesonide (Pulmicort@) with the rapid and long-acting bronchodilator formoterol (Oxis@) in a single inhaler to improve compliance and convenience for the patient. "The use of these products in different combinations has shown outstanding asthma control when compared with the use of an anti- inflammatory compound alone. The new medication will provide patients with both rapid relief and long-term control of the disease," said Dr Colin Reddrop, Vice President & Head, Respiratory & Inflammation R&D. "This is a significant milestone for AstraZeneca's business in the respiratory area." AstraZeneca PLC is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world based on sales and is a therapeutic leader in gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. AstraZeneca PLC is a major $15.8 billion international bioscience business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, and the supply of healthcare services. Further enquiries: Steve Brown, tel: +44 171 304 5033Lucy Williams, tel: +44 171 304 5034 Mikael Widell, tel: +44 171 304 5030 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/15/19991215BIT00390/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/12/15/19991215BIT00390/bit0002.pdf