As the world undergoes constant evolution, AstraZeneca Pharma India
Limited (AstraZeneca) is constantly redefining the standard of care by offering
life-enhancing and life-saving treatments. We are committed to transforming outcomes for
our patients, increasing access to healthcare and making healthcare systems more
resilient, while growing the success of our Company. Pushing the boundaries of science,
the Company is continuously transforming healthcare with its unwavering dedication to
scientific excellence. AstraZeneca's success stems from its focus on research and
development, investing significantly to drive groundbreaking discoveries and reimagine the
future of medicine.
As a leading pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca is leveraging its
scientific expertise to provide accessible and effective treatment for its patients
globally. Collaborating with experts worldwide, the Company tackles the most pressing
medical challenges across diverse therapeutic areas. In oncology, the Company has made
remarkable strides, developing innovative treatments that target the underlying mechanisms
of cancer.
As the burden of disease grows and the population ages, we believe that
science is key to helping unlock the answers to healthcare challenges.
With a relentless pursuit of innovative solutions and dedication to
improving global health, AstraZeneca shapes the future of medicine, forging a path towards
a healthier and brighter world for all.
AstraZeneca's spirit of bringing science-led innovations for one
and all extends beyond medicine as it actively engages in sustainability and ethical
practices. By aligning its operations with social responsibility, the Company ensures its
scientific advancements create a sustainable and equitable future.
Managing Director's Statement implemented our strategy of
Growth Through Innovation. Our leading pipeline and numerous approvals for innovative
medicines demonstrate our commitment to benefiting people, society, and the planet.
A Purpose Driven Organisation
At AstraZeneca India, we are dedicated to transforming healthcare by
unlocking the power of science. Our commitment to innovation is evident in the progress of
our pipeline, with nine new medicines and indication approvals received last year. This
positions us optimally to bring innovative therapies faster and closer to patients in
India. Supported by various states, peers, and industry stakeholders, we strive to ensure
no patient is left behind in the therapy areas we serve. Our dedication extends to
sustainably contributing to the well-being of people, society, and the planet.
Continued Growth in our Therapy Areas
The financial year 2023-24 has been marked by continued strong
performance and the successful execution of our Growth Through
Innovation strategy. Our entity achieved a remarkable growth of 29%,
reaching 1,330 crore. This includes 90 crore from the sale of services to related
parties and 35 crore from other income. Our pharmaceutical product sales saw a strong
increase of 28% reaching 1,205 crore. In our key therapy areas, we experienced
significant revenue growth: Oncology increased by 43%, Respiratory & Immunology rose
by 24%, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism grew by 8%.
This exceptional performance reflects the trust and confidence placed
in us by the healthcare ecosystem in India.
Becoming the Partner of Choice
As a science-led biopharmaceutical company, we at AstraZeneca are
trusted and valued for consistently pushing the boundaries of science to deliver
life-changing medicines. India's healthcare sector is transitioning towards
collaboration, breaking silos between pharma companies, academia, healthcare providers,
and research institutions.
This collective approach is crucial for improving patient outcomes,
driving innovation, and speeding up the delivery of new treatments. Our India Innovation
Hub under the A.Catalyst Network exemplifies this commitment, connecting AstraZeneca with
collaborators to address healthcare challenges.
We are committed to creating healthier societies by building strategic
alliances and collaborating with partners to tackle major health challenges. Our goal is
to co-create tailored healthcare solutions and improve access to care by identifying
barriers and providing more people with equitable access to healthcare.
For instance, we have collaborated with Qure.ai, an organisation
developing deep learning algorithms for radiology image interpretation for lung cancer.
With the support of the Karnataka government, we have successfully deployed this solution
in 19 district hospitals across the state, enabling doctors to screen patients for lung
cancer through X-rays and ensuring that at-risk patients gain access to necessary
therapies much faster. Recently, we signed an MoU with the State Government of Goa to
accelerate lung cancer detection, emphasising early detection and intervention in
combating lung diseases.
We have also formed strategic partnerships to enhance access and make
healthcare more equitable. In oncology, we signed an MoU with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer
Institute and Research Centre (RGCI&RC), Delhi, to establish a centre of excellence
for subsidised, high-quality Next-Generation
Sequencing (NGS) molecular panel testing for individuals diagnosed with
lung cancer.
Additionally, we partnered with Roche Diagnostics India to enhance
diagnostics for breast cancer patients, focusing on streamlining HER2 diagnostics with
advancements in the field.
In respiratory care, we have established centres of excellence across
India to standardise the management of severe asthma patients. Notable facilities at
Bramha Kumaris Hospital in Mumbai and Manipal Hospital in Goa aim to redefine the
diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma. Furthermore, we entered an exclusive partnership
with Mankind Pharma for the distribution of AstraZeneca's Symbicort (budesonide and
formoterol fumarate dihydrate), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting
beta-agonist (LABA) combination, in India. This partnership aims to accelerate access and
maximise the potential of our asthma drug and the Turbuhaler, an efficient device for
consistently delivering a higher proportion of respirable particles.
We are dedicated to bringing innovative medicines to India quickly and
strategically improving access across the country. I am delighted to share the progress of
our business with you. AstraZeneca's values of Putting Patients First &
Doing the Right Thing' have driven our growth across our focused therapy areas.
People, Society and the Planet
Our achievements are a direct result of the skills and capabilities of
our people. I am delighted to share that 89% of our workforce believes we are a great
place to work. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and offer continuous
learning and development opportunities.
We offer cross-country immersion roles to help our people develop
cross-cultural leadership and build global networks. Our recognition as a Great Place To
Work? for six consecutive years is a testament to our engaged and motivated
workforce. We rank highly among inclusive and best companies for women.
Sustainability is fundamental to building a healthy future for the
people, society, and the planet. By using a science-led approach and acting with
integrity, we are transforming healthcare and making a positive impact. Sustainability is
embedded into everything we do, from the lab to the patient.
Our greatest contribution to human health remains our medicines and
ensuring a future where people have access to affordable, sustainable healthcare. We are
advancing a health equity strategy to enable more equitable global health outcomes.
In Closing
I extend my gratitude to all the teams at AstraZeneca for contributing
to our success in FY 2023-24 and for the impact we have created for people, society, and
the planet. It is a great time to bring innovative drugs to India, and we are committed to
harnessing the power of science to deliver life-changing medicines to ensure no patient is
left behind!
Dr. Sanjeev Panchal |
Managing Director |