Astra Ab

Astra AB is a world leader in the research, manufacturing and marketing of agents for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, cardiovascular preparations, local anesthetics, anti-infective agents and medical-care equipment. In the gastrointestinal product group, the antipeptic ulcer drug Losec is the dominant product. The product is approved in about 100 countries for short-term therapy and in some 40 countries for long-term therapy. Astra AB's two largest products in the cardiovascular product group are the beta-blocker Seloken and the vasodilator Plendil. Both products are used primarily for treatment of high blood pressure. In the area of respiratory diseases, Astra AB markets several products for different indications. The anti-inflammatory asthma drug Pulmicort is the leading asthma medication in Europe. The pain control product group include Xylocaine, Marcaine, EMLA and Naropin. Astra AB has operations in Scandinavia, the rest of Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Asia. Pharmaceuticals accounted for 99% of 1998 revenues and medical devices, 1%.