Exploring new frontiers in medicine development
Innovation in medicinesHow cell therapy is helping transform patient care
Innovation in medicines
Helping redefine the future of medicines
AstraZeneca R&D
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Our R&D approach follows the science to discover and develop medicines
At AstraZeneca, Research & Development (R&D) is the engine behind our bold ambition to deliver 20 new medicines by 2030.
Uniting world‑class scientists and cutting‑edge capabilities, we pioneer science and technology to create potentially life-changing medicines across biopharmaceuticals, oncology and rare diseases.
$14.2 billion
investment in our R&D in 2025
197
R&D projects advancing molecules to market launch
$50 billion
committed investment in the US across R&D and medicines manufacturing by 2030
1.7 million+
human genomes and matched clinical insights fuelling R&D through our Centre for Genomics Research
What is research and development (R&D)?
R&D is the journey from discovery to development that a molecule takes before it turns into a potential medicine for patients. It begins with scientists asking detailed questions about how a disease works at the molecular level, to inform design of molecules which disrupt the disease process. This entails years of chemistry, biology, data, computation, and the brightest minds working together to follow the science with the goal to help people live longer, healthier lives.
Our science, technology and innovation in medicine
Putting patients first in R&D
Our bold ambition is to one day eliminate cancer as a cause of death and develop transformative medicines in chronic and rare diseases. We design our approach with the patient at the centre of everything we do with the goal to drive innovation that improves care and reduces treatment burden for patients.
Our catalysts for innovation
Explore the drivers that help turn ideas into medicines – from the science behind them and where they’re developed, to the partners involved, and how they advance through our pipeline.
R&D Science & Technologies
We fuse advanced science with innovative technologies to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and making medicines that can have an impact on patients.
Collaborations
We foster a network of strategic collaborations across academia, industry and other organisations to enable new perspectives and innovative problem-solving.
R&D Centres
We bring together the brightest minds and cutting-edge technology at our strategic R&D centres around the globe to work towards discovering and developing potentially life-changing medicines.
R&D Pipeline
We are building a deep and diverse portfolio of innovative medicines that have the potential to help patients.
Sustainable science
Sustainability is integrated into every step of our R&D, helpng ensure our medicines benefit patients, society, and the planet.
Our scientists lead this effort by continually optimising our processes with sustainability in mind. From the materials we use in our labs to our approach to manufacturing, we’re advancing R&D while ensuring our innovations don’t come at the cost of our environment.
Innovate with us
We welcome dedicated and innovative talent to push the frontiers of science and address the high unmet need in rare diseases.
Veeva ID: Z4-81436
Date of preparation: August 2026