AstraZeneca, along with MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm, today announced a range of strategic initiatives to accelerate the delivery of innovative biologics and targeted medicines to patients in China, the company’s second largest market globally and a key growth platform. The initiatives and investments include:
These investments and dedicated R&D capabilities are aimed at accelerating Chinese patients’ access to innovative medicines to address significant unmet need in AstraZeneca’s main therapy areas – respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity; cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; and oncology. AstraZeneca’s commitment to bring cutting-edge biopharmaceutical science to China and to partner with the local science community is aligned with the Chinese Government’s focus on increasing innovation to support economic development and access to healthcare.
Bahija Jallal, Executive Vice President, MedImmune, said: “We are delighted to broaden our collaboration with WuXi AppTec, a company with strong leadership in the Chinese biopharmaceutical sector, to address the healthcare needs of local patients. This strategic alliance, alongside our accelerated investments will create a sustainable and strategic innovation platform in China and strengthen our leadership in developing next-generation biologics for both local needs and patients around the world.”
Mark Mallon, Executive Vice President, International, AstraZeneca, said: “Our increased investment reinforces our commitment to bring innovative medicines from our exciting pipeline of targeted and biological medicines to patients in China faster and supports our continued strong growth in the country. These initiatives will allow us to better integrate the needs of this important market into our global portfolio decisions and make us the first multinational biopharmaceutical company to create a dedicated R&D platform and manufacturing capabilities in China for local development from research through to commercialisation.”
Source: AstraZeneca
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