Share Repurchase Programme

AstraZeneca PLC
21 September 2006

ASTRAZENECA PLC CLOSE PERIOD 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 its close period, which commences on 1 October 2006 and
ends on 26 October 2006.



Any purchases will be effected within certain pre-set parameters and in
accordance with both AstraZeneca PLC's general authority to repurchase shares
and the Listing Rules.







G H R Musker

Company Secretary

21 September 2006


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