Equitable access

Better understanding clinical trial diversity

In 2021, we made progress in building a foundation for our commitment to clinical trial diversity: 

•  We reviewed and updated processes and systems allowing capture and further analysis of demographic parameters such as patient race and ethnicity 
•  We are actively contributing to industry partnerships to advance clinical trial diversity initiatives and build inclusive community-based partnerships that serve underserved communities
• We were one of 23 companies that contributed to a study by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (TCSDD) on increasing diversity in clinical trials, which was delivered in October 2021
• We developed and tested a bespoke diversity measurement tool, built on updated data systems and infrastructure, to be implemented in all new trials by the end of 2022

Patient-enabled innovation through A.Catalyst Network

A.Catalyst Network is a global network of more than 20 AstraZeneca health innovation hubs, made-up of physical locations and partner ecosystems. It brings together traditional and non-traditional partners to advance equitable access to affordable, high-quality and innovative solutions. Through this network, we are co-creating challenge-based solutions with, and for, patients, and are working with partners to establish integrated and strong health systems that benefit the whole patient experience. 

AI-powered solutions for early disease detection in emerging markets 

We partner with companies specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to enable early diagnosis and intervention, and improve cure rates for some of the most important disease areas — including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure. 

One example is our partnership with Qure.ai, developers of deep learning algorithms for the interpretation of radiology images.

ACT on Health Equity

In 2021, AstraZeneca US launched a five-year initiative to identify and invest in solutions to advance health equity in partnership with the external community, called Accelerating Change Together (ACT) on Health Equity.  Living our values to follow the science and put patients first requires that we close the gaps in health outcomes impacting historically excluded and disenfranchised populations. Key accomplishments in 2021 include the creation of a Health Equity Advisory council to provide ongoing external expertise, and more than $4m in new strategic collaborations with non-profits advancing health equity in our core therapeutic areas and at the community level. 

Supporting the rare disease community

Our Rare Disease group Alexion’s Diagnostic Center of Excellence works to address the unmet medical needs of the rare disease community. Most rare diseases have a genetic component and the majority of people with a rare disease remain undiagnosed. One example of progress is Wilson disease (WD) – a genetic disorder that requires life-long therapy and is often misdiagnosed until patients have significant symptoms. In partnership with our Bioinformatics and Data Science group and Genomenon, we are providing a curated database of genetic variants for the gene that is a driver for WD. This partnership will benefit patients by organising, interpreting and making broadly available genetic information on WD. 

Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize partnership

In 2021, we announced a joint venture with the UK Royal Academy of Engineering to strengthen healthcare innovation, nurture local talent and boost economic progress across Africa. We will support the programme as a Community Partner, connecting Africa Prize entrepreneurs to our A.Catalyst Network hubs, as well as to our supply chain and wider ecosystem (including investors).

By working together, we hope to further strengthen the work of both organisations in nurturing local talent and bolstering healthcare innovation and creativity on the African continent.