MedImmune presents data at AAP National Conference & Exhibition demonstrating burden of RSV disease

The safety and efficacy of Synagis were established in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, infants with a history of prematurity (less than or equal to 35 weeks gestational age), and children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease. The first dose of Synagis should be administered prior to commencement of the RSV season, which usually starts in the fall and runs through the spring. Synagis is administered by intramuscular injection. Patients, including those who develop an RSV infection, should continue to receive monthly doses throughout the season. Abbott has exclusive rights to Synagis in markets outside the United States. MedImmune promotes Synagis in the United States.

Important Safety Information

Synagis® (palivizumab) is indicated for the prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pediatric patients at high risk of RSV disease and is administered by intramuscular injection. Safety and efficacy were established in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), infants with a history of premature birth (≤35 weeks gestational age), and children with hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD). Synagis has been used in more than one million children in the U.S. since its introduction in 1998. The first dose of Synagis should be administered prior to commencement of the RSV season. Patients, including those who develop an RSV infection, should continue to receive monthly doses throughout the season.

Synagis should not be used in pediatric patients with a history of severe prior reaction to Synagis or its components. Cases of anaphylaxis were reported following re-exposure to Synagis and severe acute hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported on initial exposure or re-exposure. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, therapy with Synagis should be permanently discontinued. If milder hypersensitivity reactions occur, caution should be used on re-administration of Synagis. In post-marketing reports, cases of severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/microliter) have been reported.

In clinical trials, the most common adverse events occurring at least 1% more frequently in Synagis-treated patients than controls were upper respiratory infection, otitis media, fever, and rhinitis. Cyanosis and arrhythmia were seen in children with CHD. There have also been post-marketing reports of injection site reactions.

For full prescribing information for Synagis, see the company's website at: www.medimmune.com/products/synagis/index.asp.

About MedImmune

MedImmune is a leading innovation-focused biotechnology company whose mission it is to provide better medicines to patients, new medical options for physicians and rewarding careers to employees. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live better lives, the company is focused on infection, oncology, respiratory disease and inflammation, cardiovascular/ gastrointestinal disease and neuroscience. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, MedImmune has approximately 3,000 employees worldwide and is the wholly owned biologics business for AstraZeneca plc (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN) . For more information, visit MedImmune's website at www.medimmune.com.