The latest investment adds to those previously made at the site in state-of-the-art laboratory and office accommodation and site infrastructure, totalling over $250m (£180m) in the last three years. The R&D centre has been responsible for a number of scientific breakthroughs in cancer therapy starting in the 1960s with the discovery and development of Nolvadex, which became the gold standard treatment for hormone dependent breast cancer.

The main component of the new cancer research building will house high tech laboratories for 243 Discovery scientists, chemistry and biosciences staff, NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) facilities and support personnel.

The new building is a part of the company’s strategic goal for Alderley Park Discovery to increase candidate drug output each year. It builds upon Alderley Park’s heritage and capabilities in cancer research, including the discovery and development of important life-saving medicines such as Nolvadex, Arimidex, Casodex and Faslodex. Iressa, a novel treatment for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer launched last year in Japan, is the latest medicine to be developed there. AstraZeneca’s product range and its future pipeline of cancer treatments are major strengths in its global drug portfolio.

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $17.8 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, anaesthesia (including pain management), cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global and European) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

IRESSA, ARIMIDEX, CASODEX, FASLODEX, NOLVADEX are trademarks and the property of the AstraZeneca group of companies.