AstraZeneca today announced that the revenue for the first quarter was $6,385 million, down 12 percent at constant exchange rates (CER). Losses of exclusivity for Seroquel IR and Atacand in many markets, and for Crestor in Canada, were the key drivers for the revenue decline. Growth for Symbicort, Brilinta, Iressa and the inclusion of the Amylin diabetes products delivered more than $250 million of revenue growth at CER in the quarter. Emerging Markets revenue increased by 9 percent at CER in the quarter.

Core operating profit decline was driven by lower revenue and lower Core other income, partially offset by Core operating costs (combined R&D and SG&A) that were 4 percent lower at CER than last year.

Core EPS declined in line with Core operating profit, as a higher tax rate this year was broadly offset by a lower number of shares outstanding and lower net finance expense.

Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, commenting on the results, said: "As anticipated, the first quarter performance reflects the loss of exclusivity for several large products. We remain focused on our strategic priorities of returning to growth and achieving scientific leadership. Brilinta, the diabetes franchise, Emerging Markets, Japan and our Respiratory products have all made good progress and we continued to invest in distinctive science that will advance our knowledge of disease physiology and help to identify new drug targets."

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.