The ranking was exceptionally high in reputation, the quality of its staff, scientific expertise and its ability to share knowledge.These characteristics are key for a company that aims to be a true partner. We understand that each company involved in a collaboration is a powerful entity on their own, but recognize that each individual alliance has the ability to become a third entity, something unique and even more capable; Something more than the sum of its parts. At our heart lies an enduring commitment to improving human health and making a difference in patients’ lives. Delivering on that promise requires continual innovation and investment in R&D. In 2005, we invested $3.4 billion in research and development activities to grow its exceptional internal research, the hallmark of its success. But even with this dedication to organic growth we understand that we do not hold the monopoly on scientific knowledge and are focussing on expanding our externalization efforts to take advantage of the variety of talents and technologies available.
The formation of discovery alliances with biotech and academic partners is key to our research strategy. We look to our more than 1700 external collaborations to augment our drug-hunting process and complement in-house capabilities. These alliances are helping to extend biomedical research efforts in areas like genomics, bioinformatics, chemical libraries, high throughput screening and product delivery systems. By continually researching and embracing new science and technologies we are able to apply modern thinking to all disciplines and projects ensuring that their research is at the forefront. Through this approach, we are adding large molecule therapeutics to its traditional portfolio of small molecule drugs.
One major alliance - with Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) - received a 2005 Pharmaceutical Achievement Award as “Business Development Deal of the Year.” We entered into this partnership in November 2004 to discover and develop human monoclonal antibodies for treating respiratory and inflammatory diseases.
AstraZeneca brings to this alliance extensive medical knowledge in the disease area, drug development capabilities and commercial experience in global markets. CAT is an expert in antibody generation and optimization, process technology and early clinical skills.
Finding good partners is crucial, and this was “a perfect fit, not only scientifically but between our researchers,” says Lena Mårtensson, PhD, alliance director for AstraZeneca’s respiratory and inflammation research area. “The close connection and commitment to making this work was essential; it’s the cement in our relationship.”
A common vision and operating model have been established and embedded in the alliance’s culture to promote productivity, allowing for fast decisions and seamless transitions without bureaucracy. Information systems have been created to allow sharing between research, commercial and clinical functions. Open communications are reinforced and encouraged through an extranet, web-based newsletter, teleconferences, workshops, briefings and site visits.
Alliance Directors, like Dr. Mårtensson, and their teams work in a cooperative effort to provide optimal access to external science and technologies in support of the company’s overall research strategy. Aligned within the research areas at AstraZeneca, these teams work collaboratively and strategically with the researchers to evaluate the elements necessary to broaden and strengthen AstraZeneca’s science base. They play a key role in evaluating, negotiating and nurturing these alliances and act as the main point of contact for partners before, during and after the relationship is formed. * The survey was conducted by Silico Research Limited. Published 22 May 2006 |