PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. -- Rory Sabbatini was named this week's AstraZeneca Charity Challenge title for his first-place standing entering the final round of the Nissan Open. After three rounds in the 60s, Sabbatini holds a four-stroke lead over Fred Couples and Craig Barlow. The AstraZeneca Charity Challenge, formerly known as the CRESTOR® Charity Challenge, is a season-long competition that recognizes and rewards the tournament leader entering the final round at 35 PGA TOUR events. Through the sponsorship, AstraZeneca will donate $3.5 million this year to designated health care charities and will have donated a three-year total of $9.7 million by the conclusion of the 2006 PGA TOUR season.

AstraZeneca produces a wide range of products that make significant contributions to treatment options and patient care including CRESTOR, NEXIUM, SEROQUEL, ARIMIDEX, and PULMICORT RESPULES. Through this year's sponsorship, as part of its commitment to patient health and well being, AstraZeneca will also designate health care related charities across therapeutic areas as recipients at the 35 PGA TOUR events throughout the year.

For the performance by Sabbatini, AstraZeneca will donate $100,000 to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance on behalf of Sabbatini and the Nissan Open. “We are grateful for the generous and continued support from AstraZeneca of the Sleepless in America program,” said Lydia Lewis, President, DBSA. “Through the Sleepless in America program, we have educated the public about sleep disturbance and how it may be a sign of something more serious, such as depression and bipolar disorder. And by seeking and receiving proper diagnosis and treatment for mental illness, sufferers, along with their families and friends, can move forward to enjoy their lives.”

"AstraZeneca's partnership with the PGA TOUR is an integral part of our mission of giving back in local communities throughout America," said Tony Zook, CEO, AstraZeneca U.S. "The AstraZeneca Charity Challenge offers a unique platform for providing important disease awareness, health information and education to make a difference in the lives of patients and consumers everyday."

The AstraZeneca Charity Challenge is the centerpiece of a multi-year PGA TOUR partnership with AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN). Last year, AstraZeneca donated $3.5 million through the program. Highlights from the AZCC include:

•Last week’s AstraZeneca Charity Challenge co-winners at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am were Arron Oberholser and Mike Weir.

•At five (5) of the first six (6) tournaments of 2006, the AstraZeneca Charity Challenge winner or co-winner went on to win the tournament.
• More than 85 charities have benefited from the program.
• Vijay Singh leads all players with eight AstraZeneca Charity Challenge wins. With some of his charitable "winnings," Singh donated money to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Funds in Florida and New Orleans.
• Other multiple winners have included Tom Lehman (four), Chad Campbell, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson and David Toms (three), and the following players who triumphed twice: Stuart Appleby, Bart Bryant, Chris DiMarco, Luke Donald, Jim Furyk, Joe Ogilvie, Rod Pampling, Kenny Perry, Carl Petterson, Ted Purdy, Adam Scott and Arron Oberholser.

Fans can log on to www.astrazeneca.pgatour.com to read about past AstraZeneca Charity Challenge winners and learn more about AstraZeneca.