AstraZeneca Annual Report and Form 20-F Information 2008

Astra Tech

Astra Tech is engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of medical devices and implants for use in healthcare, primarily in urology, surgery and odontology. It has a leading position in several countries in Europe and is expanding its operations in key markets, particularly in the US, Japan and South East Asia.

All product lines showed continued good sales growth in 2008. In pursuit of its growth strategy for Astra Tech Dental, the sales and marketing organisation for dental implants was further expanded during the year. Despite the downturn in the world economy, which negatively impacted business in the US, strong sales growth was achieved in major European countries as well as North America and Astra Tech increased its market share in the major markets. The economic slowdown is expected to continue to adversely impact demand in 2009.

In March 2008 a Regional Office for South East Asia was established in Malaysia, in order to provide an improved support and service to our customers in the region. Atlantis, which was acquired in 2007 and has provided Astra Tech with a new platform for development within digital dentistry is offering an important opportunity for continued growth for the dental implants product line. During the year a European manufacturing facility for Atlantis products was built at the company’s headquarters site in Mölndal. Production started in October to supply all European markets.

The Astra Tech Training and Education Program has been further developed and in combination with its state-of-the-art Centre for Training and Education at its headquarters, advanced international education programmes and seminars are now being offered to existing and potential customers. Further investments have been made in R&D, clinical research and new production facilities to strengthen the product portfolio.