AstraZeneca today announced that it has committed an additional $100 million to its venture capital arm,MedImmune Ventures, increasing the total capital under management to $400 million. MedImmune Ventures is an evergreen venture capital fund that focuses on equity investments in private companies in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, medical and healthcare technology.

“With the additional funding from AstraZeneca, we look forward to expanding our investment activities globally and across therapy areas. We believe that in the current financial environment, there is a growing role for corporate venture capital funds such as MedImmune Ventures,” said Ron Laufer, Senior Managing Director, MedImmune Ventures.

Simon Lowth, Chief Financial Officer, AstraZeneca said: “We continue to support MedImmune Ventures strategy that combines commitment to advance science and technology in the life science industry while generating financial returns expected of venture capital funds.”

Additionally, AstraZeneca also announced that MedImmune Ventures has co-led the second round of financing for NeuProtect Pty Ltd, an Australian life science company specialised in the reduction of cardiac remodelling post myocardial infarction. Ron Laufer said: “We are delighted to co-lead with Starfish Ventures a new round of financing for NeuProtect Pty Ltd, our first investment in an Australian company.”

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 NOTES TO EDITORS

About MedImmune Ventures

As the wholly-owned venture capital arm of AstraZeneca, MedImmune Ventures invests in private companies that develop small and large molecules, vaccines, pharmaceutical technologies and platforms. MedImmune Ventures also seeks investments in medical devices, diagnostics, imaging and healthcare IT related to the discovery, development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products.  Since 2009, MedImmune Ventures has been evergreen, allocating proceeds of liquidated investments towards future investment in new portfolio companies.  For more information, visit www.medimmuneventures.com

About NeuProtect

NeuProtect Pty Ltd is a life sciences start-up company based inMelbourne,Australia.  NeuProtect is developing proprietary cardioprotectant and neuroprotectant small molecules to reduce tissue damage following a heart attack or stroke.  Its lead compound is presently in preclinical development.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca, has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit www.medimmune.com

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.astrazeneca.com

CONTACTS

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Investor Enquiries UK

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GAITHERSBURG, MD, November 8, 2011 – MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca, today announced that the company’s expansion project at its Frederick, Md., Manufacturing Center (FMC) won the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering’s overall 2011 Facility of the Year Award.  This is the first time MedImmune has won this prestigious internationally renowned accolade.    

The annual Facility of the Year Awards (FOYA), sponsored by the ISPE, INTERPHEX and Pharmaceutical Processing magazine, recognizes state-of-the-art projects utilizing new, innovative technologies to improve the quality of products, reduce the cost of producing high-quality medicines, and demonstrate advances in project delivery.

“MedImmune is honored to receive the overall 2011 FOYA for expanding our Frederick Manufacturing Center, which is a testament to the dedication and diligence of our team,” said Doug Scott, Vice President of Engineering at MedImmune. “We achieved our goals by implementing ordinary tools in extraordinary ways, including our innovative approach to startup and operator training, our unique process for offline validation, and our robust project management processes.”

The new facility will initially house 337,000 square feet of administrative, production, warehouse, laboratory, and utility space. To accommodate future growth, MedImmune designed internal expansion capabilities of an additional 100,000 square feet of production space, creating a flexible, large-scale mammalian cell culture-based production facility. The FMC Expansion Project was selected as the overall FOYA winner from a group of seven state-of-the-art projects in four countries. The FMC expansion project was previously honored at INTERPHEX 2011 as a FOYA category winner for project execution.  

The FOYA judging panel, consisting of global senior-level biopharmaceutical executives from all areas of the industry, recognized the FMC Expansion Project for:

• Excellent safety record and aggressive timeline;
• Continued efforts to assist the workforce through the expansion project;
• Flexibility at a large scale requiring MedImmune to overlap and accelerate project phases increasing project risk; and
• The use of military training methodology that resulted in the successful shakedown runs performed simultaneously with ongoing construction efforts.

For the past 12 years, MedImmune’s FMC has manufactured a monoclonal antibody to help prevent an infectious disease.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm for AstraZeneca PLC, has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com.

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Alexandra Avgustinova from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK was awarded first prize of £2,000 for her research entitled Characterization of the Tumor-Fibroblast Cross-talk in a Mouse Model of Disease Progression. “For any young scientist, the opportunity to share scientific work is extremely rewarding. Beyond that, having my work acclaimed by a panel of experts is a great honor indeed,” commented Alexandra Avgustinova. “Receiving this award fuels my hope and desire to see my research in practical application in the future. I would like to thank The Institute of Cancer Research for enabling me to conduct this research and MedImmune for the recognition.”

Second and third prizes of £1,000 and £500 were awarded to Metamia Ciampricotti from The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Holly Barker from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, respectively.

Congratulating the winners, Dr Thorsten Hagemann, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK and one of the competition’s judges said, “It is extremely encouraging to see the quality of scientific work being produced by these young scientists. Initiatives such as this competition are an essential part of our fight against cancer – highlighting new research, helping us to discover fresh scientific talent and new therapeutic solutions to human disease. Alexandra’s research is cutting edge science which will have an immediate impact on cancer treatment”.

“MedImmune is committed to fostering the development of the next generation of leading scientists focused on improving human health. This competition provides us with the opportunity to highlight and reward the innovative work of talented scientists, which in the current economic climate we feel is especially important,” said Matthew McCourt, Director of Biology, Oncology at MedImmune. “We congratulate all ten finalists for being selected in this tough, competitive programme and feel privileged to be able to provide some recognition for their dedication.”

The competition was open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in Europe with ten finalists shortlisted to present their research to an expert panel of judges including Dr Thorsten Hagemann, Clinical Senior Lecturer, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK, Dr Christian Blank, Group Leader, Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and a senior executive from both MedImmune and AstraZeneca. The focus of the competition – tumor microenvironments – reflects the research interests of MedImmune’s UK-based Oncology Department in Cambridge. The three winners were announced at the awards ceremony in Cambridge University’s prestigious Downing College following evaluation of their presentations on the basis of scientific merit, innovation and delivery.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca plc. (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN) has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at http://www.medimmune.com.

The pivotal pediatric clinical study compared Q/LAIV to two trivalent formulations of MedImmune’s licensed seasonal influenza vaccine, FluMist^® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal) and met its primary endpoint.

Currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines are trivalent, containing three strains (two strains of type A influenza,A/H1N1 and A/H3N2, and one B lineage strain).  However, as influenza B strains from 2 different lineages have circulated in recent years (B/Yamagata and B/Victoria), the quadrivalent vaccine contains four strains: A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B strains from both of the B lineages.  The quadrivalent vaccine is designed to offer protection against a broader range of B strains, and its development demonstrates MedImmune’s commitment to innovation within the infectious disease area.

Data from the pediatric Phase 3 study were included in the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for a quadrivalent (four-strain) version of FluMist^® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal). The company submitted the sBLA early in the second quarter of this year.

This abstract will be available for viewing in the exhibit hall in the exhibit Hall B-1 from 12:15 until 2:15 on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Boston Convention andExhibitionCenter.

Additional information about the 2011 IDSA conference can be found at http://www.idsa2011.org/

Important Safety and Eligibility Information for FluMist

What is FluMist^®?

FluMist is the first and only nasal spray flu vaccine approved in the United Statesto help prevent influenza and is indicated for the active immunization of eligible individuals 2 to 49 years of age against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B contained in the vaccine.  

Who may not be able to get FluMist?

You should not get FluMist if you: are allergic to eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; have ever had a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations; or are 2 through 17 years old and take aspirin or medicines containing aspirin–children or adolescents should not be given aspirin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.

Tell your healthcare provider if you: are currently wheezing; have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old; have had Guillain-Barré syndrome; have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system; have problems with your heart, kidneys, or lungs; have diabetes; are pregnant or nursing; or are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine.

They will decide if FluMist is right for you.

What are the most common side effects of FluMist?

The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.

Please see accompanying complete product information, including patient informationat www.medimmune.com.

For more information, please visit www.FluMist.com.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm for AstraZeneca PLC, has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com. 

#    #    #

of Annual Flu Vaccination and Knowing Vaccine Options

GAITHERSBURG, MD (Oct. 13, 2011) – Families are busy enough during the back-to-school season – new class schedules, countless extracurricular activities, and daily homework assignments – without having to worry about the flu. To help raise awareness about the importance of annual influenza vaccination as the recommended best defense against the disease, MedImmune, along with soccer legend and mom Brandi Chastain, today launched the second year of “When Will You Pick?,” a national education campaign that encourages all eligible family members this flu season to “Don’t Wait to Vaccinate!”

“My goal every year is to not to wait to vaccinate. As a mom, keeping my family healthy and active is at the top of my to-do list, so we make sure to get our flu vaccine as soon as possible every year,” Chastain said. “Make an appointment today with your doctor to help keep yourself and your eligible family members protected. Also, if your children’s school offers an in-school vaccination program, be sure to fill out and return consent forms so they can get vaccinated at school.” 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all eligible Americans 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine, beginning as soon as the vaccine is available each year. Even though the 2011-2012 flu vaccine contains the same three strains as last year, the CDC encourages people to get vaccinated each year, regardless of whether the viruses in the vaccine have changed or not since the previous season because immunity can wane over time.

Seasonal flu vaccines, including the nasal spray FluMist^® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal), started shipping in August of this year. MedImmune expects to provide approximately 15 to 16 million doses of FluMist for the 2011-2012 influenza season.

FluMist is a nasal spray flu vaccine for eligible kids and adults 2- 49 years old. It starts fighting the flu where it usually starts — the nose. The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fever over 100°F.

Parents and families can learn more about the importance of flu vaccination by visiting the campaign’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dontwaitvaccinate, which offers tips to help stay healthy throughout the flu season, a quiz to test influenza knowledge, and one-of-a-kind campaign photos and videos featuring Chastain. Additionally, for everyone who “likes” the page, $1 (up to $50,000) will be donated by MedImmune to help support the nationwide flu vaccination education efforts of the non-profit organization, Families Fighting Flu. The campaign will also reach families through local events at school-located vaccination clinics across the country throughout the season, including Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Houston.

“Vaccination is the best defense we have against influenza. Families should make vaccination a priority every year,” said Dr. Anat Feingold, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease expert and mother of three. “Individuals should also take everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs, such as washing their hands and covering their coughs, but vaccination is the most important protection step one can take.” 

An average of 5-20 percent of the U.S.population becomes ill with the flu each year, which can result in significant complications. Children between the ages of 2 to 17 are twice as likely to get the flu as adults and can spread the flu to family members. Not every flu vaccine option is right for everyone, so parents are recommended to talk to their doctor about which option is best for each eligible family member.

“MedImmune is committed to supporting the annual U.S. influenza vaccination campaign, starting as early as possible each year,” said Chris Ambrose, M.D., Senior Director of Medical & Scientific Affairs. “We are also thrilled to team-up with Brandi Chastain again this year to help share important messages about flu prevention with families across the country.”

Important Safety and Eligibility Information 

What is FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)?

FluMist is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza. It can be used in children, adolescents, and adults ages 2 through 49. FluMist may not prevent influenza in everyone who gets vaccinated.

Who should not get FluMist?

You should not get FluMist if you: are allergic to eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; have ever had a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations; or are 2 through 17 years old and take aspirin or medicines containing aspirin–children or adolescents should not be given aspirin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. 

Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.

Who may not be able to get FluMist?

 Tell your healthcare provider if you: are currently wheezing; have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old; have had Guillain-Barré syndrome; have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system; have problems with your heart, kidneys, or lungs; have diabetes; are pregnant or nursing; or are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine.

They will decide if FluMist is right for you.

What are the most common side effects of FluMist?

The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.

Please see accompanying complete Product Information, including patient information at www.medimmune.com. 

For more information, please visit www.FluMist.com.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm for AstraZeneca PLC, has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com. 

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GAITHERSBURG, MD, Oct. 3, 2011 – MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca, today announced execution of an in-licensing agreement with Pfizer Inc for tremelimumab (CP-675,206), a CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody.  Under the terms of this agreement, MedImmune will assume global development rights to tremelimumab and Pfizer will retain the rights to use tremelimumab with specified types of combination therapies. MedImmune plans to explore tremelimumab in a number of potential cancer indications. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.   

“Adding another immunotherapeutic approach to our oncology pipeline, one which may employ the immune system itself to fight cancer, exemplifies our continued commitment to embracing this new era of cancer care,” said Bahija Jallal, Ph.D., MedImmune’s Executive Vice President, Research and Development.

Anders Ekblom, AstraZeneca’s Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development, added:  “This project to further explore and advance tremelimumab showcases our synergies in marrying world-class biologics expertise with global development and commercialization capabilities in oncology.”  

Effectiveness of the agreement is contingent on expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

About tremelimumab

Tremelimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody which binds to the protein CTLA-4, expressed on the surface of activated T lymphocytes. Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies comprise a new generation of immunotherapies for the potential treatment of cancer.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics arm of AstraZeneca PLC operating through various affiliates in the AstraZeneca Group (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at http://www.medimmune.com.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com.

#  #  #

GAITHERSBURG, MD, August 9, 2011 – MedImmune announced today that two of its scientists—Tristan John Vaughan, Ph.D., senior director of lead generation and Gail Wasserman, Ph.D., senior vice president of biopharmaceutical development—have been recognized in the PharmaVOICE 100, an annual list of the most inspiring people in the life sciences industry.

Established seven years ago by PharmaVOICE magazine, the PharmaVOICE 100 recognizes professionals for their positive contributions to the life-sciences industry. Honorees are nominated by the publication’s readers. Drs. Vaughan and Wasserman were selected for the positive contributions they have made to MedImmune and to their communities, as well as the motivation they provide to colleagues and peers.

“We are proud to have the inspiring work of Drs. Vaughan and Wasserman acknowledged by PharmaVOICE, as they exemplify the spirit of innovation that is central to MedImmune’s mission,” said Peter Greenleaf, MedImmune’s president. “They demonstrate the tireless commitment of our researchers to deliver life-changing products to help patients with unmet medical needs.”

Among achievements throughout his career, Dr. Vaughan has played a key role in the discovery and development of innovative first-in-class products, including the first fully human antibody to reach the market as well as the first new treatment option for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in more than 50 years. Today, Dr. Vaughan leads a team of more than 80 employees in MedImmune’sCambridge,UKfacility where he and his colleagues continue to refine the technologies that have successfully delivered drugs that make a meaningful difference to patients.

Dr. Wasserman’s work has also had a significant impact on the health of patients around the world. Her pioneering development work contributed to the introduction of the first monoclonal antibody approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help prevent an infectious disease. Today, Dr. Wasserman leads a team of 700 employees worldwide, enabling new technologies to be developed and delivered to patients. During her 20-year tenure at MedImmune, the company’s pipeline has grown from just a few molecules to more than 100 drug candidates in development today.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics unit for AstraZeneca PLC, has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com. 

#   #   #

MedImmune expects to provide approximately 15 –16 million doses of its trivalent (three-strain) nasal spray flu vaccine for the 2011-2012 influenza season through a variety of private health care practices, public health departments, school-located vaccination programs, military bases, and other venues. Healthcare professionals should refer to FluMist prescribing information for appropriate administration.

FluMist is indicated for eligible individuals 2-49 years of age. The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat and fever over 100°F.

This year, flu vaccines contain the three strains recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and World Health Organization (WHO), including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain.

The CDC recommends that flu vaccine be administered to eligible recipients aged six months and older every year as soon as the vaccine becomes available. A MedImmune analysis looking at pediatric populations suggests that starting influenza vaccinations as soon as product is available (July – September) — months earlier than the typical influenza vaccination season — may help reach an additional 10.5 million children at already-scheduled healthcare provider visits.

“MedImmune is committed to supporting public health efforts to initiate seasonal influenza vaccination as early as possible each year, greatly widening the window of opportunity for vaccination,” said Steve Projan, Ph.D, MedImmune’s Senior Vice President, Research & Development. “The data show that vaccination with FluMist in the late summer helps protect against influenza throughout the influenza season, even into the late spring.”

FluMist is available in every state, except South Dakota, through the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. FluMist is also available on the Vaccine for Adults contract allowing state and local immunization programs to access the vaccine at the public-sector price for community vaccination programs focused on young adults and immunization of first-responders and healthcare workers.

Based on a nationally-representative sample of private insurance claims from approximately 50 percent of US patients, FluMist accounted for 34 percent of seasonal influenza vaccinations given to children two through 18 years of age during the 2009-2010 season. FluMist is covered by approximately 99 percent of private health plans which offer immunization benefits.

Important Safety and Eligibility Information for FluMist

What is FluMist^® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)?

FluMist is the first and only nasal spray flu vaccine approved in the United States to help prevent influenza and is indicated for the active immunization of eligible individuals 2 to 49 years of age against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B contained in the vaccine.  

Who may not be able to get FluMist?

You should not get FluMist if you: are allergic to eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; have ever had a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations; or are 2 through 17 years old and take aspirin or medicines containing aspirin–children or adolescents should not be given aspirin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.

Tell your healthcare provider if you: are currently wheezing; have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old; have had Guillain-Barré syndrome; have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system; have problems with your heart, kidneys, or lungs; have diabetes; are pregnant or nursing; or are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine.

They will decide if FluMist is right for you.

What are the most common side effects of FluMist?

The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.

Please see accompanying complete product information, including patient information at www.medimmune.com.

For more information, please visit www.FluMist.com.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics unit for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising drug candidates, MedImmune strives to deliver life-changing products, a rewarding career to our employees and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

Currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines are trivalent, containing three strains (two strains of type A influenza (A/H1N1 and A/H3N2) and one B lineage strain).  However, as influenza B strains from 2 different lineages have circulated in recent years (B/Yamagata and B/Victoria) the quadrivalent vaccine contains four strains: A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B strains from both of the B lineages.  The quadrivalent vaccine is designed to offer protection against a broader range of B strains and reinforces MedImmune’s commitment to innovation within the infectious disease area.

Historically, seasonal flu vaccines have contained three strains recommended by the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC). Their recommendation is based on global public health officials’ best prediction nearly 8 months prior to the start of the influenza season as to which strains will predominate during the upcoming season and therefore are most likely to pose the greatest public health risk.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since the 2001-2002 season, influenza B viruses from both lineages have co-circulated during most influenza seasons in the USA, and it has been difficult to accurately predict the correct lineage to include in the seasonal vaccine,” said Robert Belshe, M.D., director of the Center for Vaccine Development  Saint Louis University. “In fact, in the United States, in a recent 10 year interval of influenza seasons, the predominant circulating influenza B lineage was different in 5 seasons from the one selected for inclusion in the vaccine.”

In pivotal clinical studies conducted in adults and children, the quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (Q/LAIV) was compared to two trivalent formulations of MedImmune’s licensed seasonal influenza vaccine, FluMist (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal).  The quadrivalent vaccine induced immune responses to both B strains and the immune responses for all of the four strains in the vaccine were comparable to the immune responses induced by the trivalent vaccines. Additionally, Q/LAIV had a comparable safety profile to the trivalent FluMist formulations in the indicated FluMist population (eligible individuals 2-49 years of age).

“We believe that the inclusion of an additional B strain in an annual influenza vaccine could provide a direct health benefit to individual vaccine recipients in the event that the correct B lineage either is not selected for inclusion in a trivalent vaccine, or if both lineages co-circulate,” said Filip Dubovsky, M.D., MedImmune’s vice president of Clinical Development.

Important Safety and Eligibility Information for FluMist

What is FluMist^® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)?

FluMist is the first and only nasal spray flu vaccine approved in the United States to help prevent influenza and is indicated for the active immunization of eligible individuals 2 to 49 years of age against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B contained in the vaccine.  

Who may not be able to get FluMist?

You should not get FluMist if you: are allergic to eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; have ever had a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations; or are 2 through 17 years old and take aspirin or medicines containing aspirin–children or adolescents should not be given aspirin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.

Tell your healthcare provider if you: are currently wheezing; have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old; have had Guillain-Barré syndrome; have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system; have problems with your heart, kidneys, or lungs; have diabetes; are pregnant or nursing; or are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine.

They will decide if FluMist is right for you.

What are the most common side effects of FluMist?

The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.

Please see accompanying complete product information, including patient information at www.medimmune.com.

For more information, please visit www.FluMist.com.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics unit for AstraZeneca PLC, has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

#    #    #

MedImmune abstracts to be presented at the ATS International Conference include:

• IL-1 Family Members Have Different Effects on the Innate Pro-inflammatory and Anti-viral Responses of Epithelial Cells to Rhinovirus. Briend E, et al. Poster Session: May 16, 2011 Time: 10:45 – 12:30 PM,  Colorado Convention Center Area J, Hall B (Upper Level)

• Cytokine Profiling in Severe Asthma Sub-phenotypes Using Factor and Cluster Analysis. Desai D, et al. Poster Session: May 16, 2011 Time: 3 – 3:15 PM, HRD Ballroom A-B-C (3^rd Level)

• Expression Patterns of Interleukin-1 Receptor 1 in COPD Patients, Smokers and Never-smoking Control Subjects. Bergqyist A, et al. Poster Session: May 16, 2011 Time: 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM, Colorado Convention Center Area E, Hall B (Upper Level)

• Full Length IL-33 Activates Primary Human Mast Cells and It’s Inhibited by Neutralising Antibodies. Cohen S, et al. Poster Session: May 17, 2011 Time: 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM, Colorado Convention Center Area F, Hall B (Upper Level)

• The Epithelial-derived Signals TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 Converge on OX40L to Elicit House-dust Mite 0 Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation in Mice. Llop-Guerva A, et al. Poster Session: May 16, 2011 Time: 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM, Colorado Convention Center Area K, Hall B (Upper Level)

• In Vitro Cellular Response to Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Rhinovirus Infection of Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells Derived From Healthy and COPD/Asthmatic Donors. Svabek C, et al. Poster Session: May 15, 2011 Time: 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM, Colorado Convention Center Area J, Hall B (Upper Level)

• Comparison of the Preventative, Therapeutic and Prophylactic Effects of Anti-g and Anti-f RSV Glycoprotein Antibodies in the Response to Primary and Secondary RSV Infection. Han J, et al. Poster Session: May 18, 2011 Time: 2 – 4:30 PM, Colorado Convention Center Rooms 503-504 (Street Level)

• Longitudinal Measures of Pulmonary Function in Healthy Late Preterm Infants Delivered at 33-36 Weeks of Gestation. McEvoy C, et al. Poster Session: May 16, 2011 Time: 2 – 4:30 PM, Colorado Convention Center Rooms 501-502 (Street Level)

Additional information about the 2011 ATS conference can be found at: http://conference.thoracic.org/

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the global biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,500 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising drug candidates, MedImmune strives to deliver life-changing products, rewarding careers to our employees and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.