Share Repurchase Programme

ASTRAZENECA PLC IRREVOCABLE, NON-DISCRETIONARY SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMME

AstraZeneca PLC today announced that it will commence an irrevocable, non-discretionary programme with Barclays Bank PLC to purchase ordinary shares on its own behalf during the period which commences on 4 January 2011 and ends on 31 January 2011, therefore running through its close period which commences on 1 January 2011 ending 27 January 2011. Any purchases will be made within certain pre-set parameters and in accordance with both AstraZeneca PLC's general authority to repurchase shares and the Listing Rules.

A C N Kemp

Company Secretary

23 December 2010