Nortran And Astra Hassle Announce Research Collaboration

Nortran Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Vancouver, Canada) and Astra Hassle, AB (Goteberg, Sweden) have entered into a collaborative agreement to conduct research on the antiarrhythmic compounds developed by both companies. Under the terms of the agreement, Astra will fund the majority of studies that will encompass testing in Nortran's specialized models as well as testing in Astra's laboratories.

Astra AB has established a market position in the area of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular agents, local anaesthetics and anti-asthmatics. Nortran Pharmaceuticals is a drug discovery company focusing on pathology targeted small molecules.

For more information: James King, Nortran Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3650 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6S 2L2, Canada. Telephone: 604-222-5577 or 1-800-330-9928. Fax: 604-222-6617.