Dr. Briggs Morrison to join AstraZeneca R&D; Dr. Anders Ekblom to lead new Science and Technology function

AstraZeneca is pleased to announce the appointment of industry leading drug development expert, Dr. Briggs Morrison, to the position of Executive Vice President Global Medicines Development (GMD) reporting to the President of R&D, Dr. Martin Mackay. Dr. Morrison will lead GMD to drive the progress of medicines from early development through to approval and beyond. Dr. Morrison succeeds Dr. Anders Ekblom who will now build and lead a novel function within R&D, the Science and Technology Integration Office. Dr. Ekblom will continue to report to Dr. Mackay and will continue his role as CEO AstraZeneca Sweden AB.

Dr. Morrison brings distinguished academic credentials, strong clinical experience and an impressive track record having delivered multiple drugs to patients whilst at Merck and Pfizer. Reporting to him will be the heads of existing GMD functions including the Chief Medical Officer, Clinical Development, Japan R&D, Payer Evidence, Pharmaceutical Development, Strategy & Operations, and the leaders of late stage projects. Global Regulatory Affairs will continue to be led by Dr. Peter Honig and will report directly into Dr. Mackay.

Dr. Ekblom, one of AstraZeneca’s most senior and distinguished scientists and leaders, will build and lead the Science and Technology Integration Office within R&D. This function will help drive AstraZeneca’s future ability to innovate and succeed as an R&D-based organisation by partnering with leading public and private bodies to set the course for drug development in the future, such as the FDA’s Critical Path Initiative, the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s Roadmap for Medical Research, and the European Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI). In addition, Dr. Ekblom’s team will identify and capitalize on future science and technology trends and strengthen AstraZeneca’s efforts in precompetitive collaboration and open innovation.

Dr. Martin Mackay said:

In times of increasing external and internal challenges for the pharmaceutical industry, it is crucial we continue to broaden and deepen our leadership, expertise and stakeholder networking to continue to deliver innovative, effective and cost efficient medicines to patients. The appointments of Drs. Morrison and Ekblom will ensure we leverage our leadership to the fullest advantage of the business, our people and stakeholders.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com

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