PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 20, 1995 -- SmithKline Beecham (NYSE: SBE, SBH) announced today that Paxil(TM) (paroxetine HCl), the antidepressant, has been approved by health authorities in the United Kingdom for the treatment of panic disorder, the main symptoms of which are panic attacks. Paxil, which is marketed under the tradename Seroxat(TM) in the U.K., is currently the only selective serotonin re- uptake inhibitor in the U.K. to have an indication for this disorder.

Sufferers from panic disorder experience brief, recurring episodes of intense fear, often accompanied by multiple physical symptoms such as chest pains, palpitations and difficulty in breathing. Although symptoms are short-lived, the sufferer may continue to feel distressed for some time afterwards. Panic attacks are usually sudden and unexpected and can have an immediate devastating impact on sufferers, who often fear they are dying, or, at the very least, are seriously ill.

Between 7-10 percent of the population in Europe and the U.S. experience panic attacks at some time during their lives, and about three per cent are likely to suffer from panic disorder (recurrent panic attacks). Major depression co-exists in 30 to 60 percent of patients with panic disorder.

Paxil is currently indicated in most countries for the treatment of depression; and has been used to treat more than seven and a half million patients worldwide. Clinical trials have shown Paxil to be effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety associated with depression. In addition to the treatment of depression, Paxil is approved for panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder in Austria, and is under review for both indications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

SmithKline Beecham -- one of the world's leading healthcare companies -- discovers, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals and vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, health-related consumer products and clinical laboratory testing services.

CONTACT: Sharyn Arnold, 215-751-7074, or Investor Relations: Richard Williams, 215-751-7002, both of SmithKline Beecham (SBH SBE)