AstraZeneca Investor Relations Material

AstraZeneca is a multinational biopharmaceutical company established in 1999 through the merger of Astra AB of Sweden and Zeneca Group PLC of the UK. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the firm operates globally, specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medications. It focuses on a range of therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, and respiratory diseases. AstraZeneca's products cater to a diverse set of medical needs and are distributed in numerous countries worldwide. The company is a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry, maintaining a strong commitment to scientific research and the development of new medicines.

As previously mentioned, AstraZeneca came to be following the merger of two established pharmaceutical companies. Astra AB, with roots dating back to 1913, had a notable history in pharmaceutical production, introducing various medicines to the market over the decades. Zeneca on the other hand traces its roots back to 1993 after separating from Imperial Chemical Industries. The British half of the modern-day company had a footprint in both therapeutic products and agrochemicals, although it eventually divested from the latter. The merger of these two entities aimed to consolidate resources, streamline research and development processes, and enhance their presence in the global pharmaceutical market. The combined company, now known as AstraZeneca, has since played a significant role in the industry, building upon the foundational knowledge and experience of the two merged parties.

AstraZeneca primarily focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Their core areas of activity encompass a range of medical conditions, including respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, oncology, and autoimmune diseases. The company also engages in significant research and development efforts, with research centers in the UK, Sweden, and the USA. This focus AstraZeneca was one of the pharmaceutical companies heavily involved with the global effort of finding a suitable vaccine during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is an effort they succeeded in, and together with companies like Pfizer and Moderna, they were a key player in the global vaccination effort.

As is common with large pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca has a presence in all corners of the world and the company operates in over 100 countries. It has manufacturing and commercial operations distributed across major markets including North America, Europe, Asia, and emerging economies.