AstraZeneca, headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and Södertälje, Sweden, is one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, known for its cutting-edge research and development in life sciences. Established in 1999 through the merger of Sweden's Astra AB and the UK's Zeneca Group, the company focuses on three main therapeutic areas: Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases, and Respiratory. With a strong commitment to improving global health, AstraZeneca develops and manufactures medicines that impact millions of lives worldwide.
AstraZeneca's global presence spans over 100 countries, and it has made significant contributions to combating diseases like cancer, diabetes, asthma, and more recently, COVID-19. Their collaborative approach, which includes partnerships with academic institutions and global organizations, allows AstraZeneca to remain at the forefront of medical advancements.
CEO and Founders of AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca was formed in 1999 when Sweden’s Astra AB and the UK's Zeneca Group merged. The company is led by Pascal Soriot, who became the CEO in 2012. Soriot's leadership has been pivotal in driving the company toward growth, innovation, and substantial success, especially in oncology and respiratory medicine. Under his stewardship, AstraZeneca has achieved significant milestones, including the development of the COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with the University of Oxford. Soriot’s emphasis on innovation, research, and patient-centric solutions has helped AstraZeneca stay competitive in the global biopharma industry.
List of Top Subsidiaries and Companies Under AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca has several key subsidiaries and acquired companies that operate in various fields of biopharmaceutical research and development. These companies play a significant role in supporting AstraZeneca’s global operations and scientific endeavors.
| Subsidiary/Company Name | Year Acquired/Founded | Valuation | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexion Pharmaceuticals | 2021 (Acquired) | $39 Billion | Rare Diseases and Immunology |
| MedImmune | 2007 (Acquired) | $15.6 Billion | Biotechnology/Monoclonal Antibodies |
| Acerta Pharma | 2015 (Acquired) | $7 Billion | Oncology and Hematology |
| Pearl Therapeutics | 2013 (Acquired) | $1.15 Billion | Respiratory Medicines |
| Ardea Biosciences | 2012 (Acquired) | $1.26 Billion | Anti-inflammatory and Oncology |
| Spire Healthcare | 2016 (Partnership) | N/A | Healthcare/Private Hospitals |
| Amgen Collaboration | 2015 (Collaboration) | N/A | Oncology and Inflammatory Diseases |
| Omthera Pharmaceuticals | 2013 (Acquired) | $443 Million | Cardiovascular Medicines |
FAQs About AstraZeneca
Q1: When was AstraZeneca founded?
A: AstraZeneca was established in 1999 through the merger of Sweden's Astra AB and the UK's Zeneca Group.
Q2: Who is the CEO of AstraZeneca?
A: Pascal Soriot is the CEO of AstraZeneca. He took over the position in 2012 and has been instrumental in the company’s growth and innovation.
Q3: What are AstraZeneca’s key therapeutic areas?
A: AstraZeneca focuses on Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases, and Respiratory, with additional work in the fields of immunology and neuroscience.
Q4: What is AstraZeneca's contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: AstraZeneca, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, developed the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, which has been administered globally to help combat the pandemic.
Q5: What companies are owned by AstraZeneca?
A: AstraZeneca owns several companies, including Alexion Pharmaceuticals (rare diseases), MedImmune (biotechnology), Acerta Pharma (oncology), and Pearl Therapeutics (respiratory medicine).
Q6: Does AstraZeneca offer healthcare services?
A: While AstraZeneca primarily focuses on pharmaceuticals, it has partnerships in healthcare services, including a notable collaboration with Spire Healthcare in the UK.
