Our people
It takes a special commitment to keep pushing the boundaries. To keep believing. To never give up.
"DNA repair represents an Achilles’ heel of cancer. My hope is that we at AstraZeneca can help solve this using our portfolio of DNA damage response agents in order to benefit patients."
Leading scientific expertise
We combine a unique range of knowledge, skills and experience with a passion for following the science. Here are some examples of our key capabilities.
Small molecules
Our scientific heritage is grounded in pushing the boundaries of small molecule discovery and development. For decades, our scientists have led the way in identifying the right chemical leads. Our early discovery and high throughput screening capabilities enable us to screen thousands of compounds a day to identify molecules with potential to inhibit or activate the target.
Biologics
Biologics are in development across all our therapy areas and now account for half our pipeline. Much of our biologics work focuses on specifically defined or biologically targeted populations, determined by the scientific pathway of the disease and mode of action of the molecule. Biologics have revolutionised medicine, treating complex diseases including various types of cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Devices
We aim to provide industry-leading devices that are easy to use and improve the lives of patients. This includes smart technology-enabled devices that improve patient outcomes through intelligent solutions such as patient feedback to support correct use, dose reminders and disease progression and monitoring. Along with inhalation devices we are also exploring how to better meet patient needs in non-oral, non-inhaled therapies across our main therapy areas.
Immunotherapies
Immuno-oncology is a promising therapeutic approach that harnesses the patient’s own immune system to help fight cancer. Our strategy is to develop novel combinations that target each of the escape mechanisms used by tumour cells to evade the immune system. Our immuno-oncology pipeline contains molecules that enhance immune response, tumour destruction or immune cell memory and compounds that target the tumour microenvironment.
Personalised healthcare
As a leader in personalised healthcare, we are committed to matching new medicines to the patients most likely to benefit. We combine industry-leading expertise in companion diagnostics with laboratory science in molecular diagnostics, tissue diagnostics, imaging and protein biomarkers. This includes working collaboratively with our external partners to harness break-through technologies across the life-cycle of our medicines.
Emerging drug discovery
Our teams work alongside the world's leading academic and biotech research institutions to stimulate innovation and evaluate emerging technologies. By combining the great science happening in our labs with the best external science, we can accelerate drug discovery and development across our main therapy areas. Today, our teams are working in pioneering fields such as modified RNA and genome editing with CRISPR.
Partnering: a way of life
We work alongside scientists at leading institutions to better understand disease, identify potential new drugs and accelerate drug development. We’re also pioneers in creating a more open research environment.
Giving UK academia access to AstraZeneca compounds
In 2011, our landmark agreement with the UK Medical Research Council gave UK academic researchers unprecedented access to 22 of our compounds. Watch our video to hear about the progress these scientists are making.
Clinical trial collaboration explores novel immuno-oncology combinations
"Our partnership with AstraZeneca allows us to explore new and potentially transformational treatment combinations on haemotological and solid tumours. Both parties bring deep scientific expertise, and by sharing this we're expanding treatment options for patients."
Where science thrives
Our research sites are collaborative, innovative and dynamic environments that allow our scientists to keep pushing the boundaries
Cambridge
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Our new facility in Cambridge will bring together our small molecule and biologics research and development activity. It will become our largest centre for oncology research and also house scientists focused on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, respiratory, inflammation and autoimmune diseases and conditions of the central nervous system.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
Our vibrant science facility in Gothenburg is a world-leading centre for research and development in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity. It also houses science teams responsible for all phases and aspects of small molecule drug discovery and development – from initial ideas through to new medicines.
Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
Our Gaithersburg centre is headquarters to MedImmune and our primary location for biologics research and development in the US. It is also home to our Global Medicines Development function and Specialty Products Group. The modern, vibrant, scientific campus employs more than 3,000 experts in our field and is only a short drive from Washington, DC.
Three science units with one shared goal
Discovery and early development: combining the strengths of our 2 autonomous biotech units
IMED Biotech Unit
SMALL MOLECULES
- SMALL MOLECULES
IMED Biotech Unit
Focuses on scientific advances in small molecules, oligonucleotides and other emerging technologies and drug discovery platforms across our focus areas.
Find out moreMedImmune
BIOLOGICS
- BIOLOGICS
MedImmune
Explores novel biologics pathways across our focus areas and pioneers innovative research using unparalleled expertise in protein engineering, translational sciences and immunology.
Find out moreLate-stage development
Global Medicines Development
The science engine room that drives late-stage development of our innovative pipeline, transforming exciting science into valued new medicines and ensuring patients around the world can access them.
Find out moreAn exciting pipeline
Our pipeline forms a robust portfolio of investigational therapies in varied stages of clinical development.
146
projects in our pipeline
1
new molecular entity approval in the last quarter
14
new molecular entities in our late-stage pipeline
Join AstraZeneca
and help us deliver life-changing medicines
Be among our employees who continue to make us an innovation-driven company that stands firmly among the world’s leaders in biopharmaceuticals.