In its annual review of the top 10 R&D pipelines, R&D Directions, a leading pharmaceutical trade publication, has named AstraZeneca as having the best Oncology pipeline in the pharmaceutical industry.

The editors of R&D Directions named our oncology pipeline as the best in part because "the company has more than 20 anti-cancer projects, including 13 new medical entities. AstraZeneca has 28 new molecular entity projects in Phase I and Phase II development, and 60% more in Phase II than a year ago. There are 23 high-quality new molecular entities in pre-clinical testing because of improved productivity in drug discovery."

R&D Directions also recognised AstraZeneca for the way our company continues "to expand its pipeline through collaborative efforts with specialty pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies."

Brent Vose, Head of Oncology and Infection Therapy Area, comments, " We are pleased and proud to be recognised as having a strong early and late stage oncology pipeline. We have a remarkable team of dedicated employees who are committed to finding innovative new treatments to address a devastating disease. This award is a reflection of their efforts and serves as an important reminder that, in spite of some of the recent setbacks with Iressa, we have a remarkable portfolio that promises to deliver new hope for patients around the globe."

Les Hughes, Head of the Cancer & Infection Research Area, adds, "Our Discovery teams at Alderley Park and Boston have made remarkable progress over the past few years, and it is encouraging to see them get the recognition they deserve. Through internal successes and external collaborations, we are exploring new areas of science such as monoclonal antibodies and pursuing innovative new approaches that position us as leaders in oncology."

Last year, R&D Directions recognised AstraZeneca as "the best and most innovative pipeline."

Published 7 February 2005