Research and Development
R&D in the pharmaceutical industry is generally characterised by considerable uncertainty, long discovery and development periods and significant development costs
AstraZeneca’s global R&D organisation aims to reduce these factors by enhancing performance and output, while maintaining the fundamental imperatives of product efficacy, patient safety and an ethical approach. In short, AstraZeneca aims to build a world-leading drug discovery force.
Research is focused on real medical needs within seven therapy areas: gastrointestinal, oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuroscience, infection, pain and anaesthesia.
The South African R&D organisation is particularly successful and this is underpinned by the fact that it attained ‘key country’ status in 2000. In addition to the South African site’s ranking, the global organisation voted it the most efficient clinical development operation in the group in 2003.
These achievements ensure an impressive local input into the global company’s R&D clinical trials. It also allows our doctors and researchers in South Africa to be at the forefront of technology and innovation, to attend international congresses and in some instances gain authorship of publications in highly credible international journals. The inflow of foreign revenue into the country significantly benefits academic institutions so desperately in need of financial assistance.
Currently AstraZeneca is involved in clinical trials in all of the above-mentioned therapeutic areas and is working with academic institutions and private practitioners throughout the country. Today, AstraZeneca South Africa manages the largest, single pharmaceutical development programme in Sub-Saharan Africa.
