AstraZeneca PLC - Share Repurchase Programme

ASTRAZENECA PLC IRREVOCABLE, NON-DISCRETIONARY SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAMME

AstraZeneca PLC (the "Company") today announced that in accordance with the authority granted by shareholders at the Company's annual general meeting on 28 April 2011, it will commence an irrevocable, non-discretionary programme with Barclays Bank PLC (NYSE: BCS-PA - news) to purchase ordinary shares of US$0.25 each (the "Shares") on its own behalf during the period which commences on 5 March 2012 and ends on 11 May 2012 (the "Repurchase Programme"), therefore running through its close period which commences on 1 April 2012 and ends on 26 April 2012.

Any purchases will be made within certain pre-set parameters and in accordance with both the Company's general authority to repurchase shares and the Listing Rules. The Company intends to cancel any Shares so acquired.

A C N Kemp

Company Secretary

2 March 2012