Investment to accelerate delivery of biologics and medicines in China

AstraZeneca, along with MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm, has undertaken strategic initiatives to accelerate the delivery of innovative biologics and targeted medicines locally in China. A strategic alliance with WuXi AppTec, a leading Chinese biologics manufacturer and CRO, brings the option for AstraZeneca to acquire WuXi AppTec’s biologics manufacturing capacity in Wuxi City in the next few years through an overall investment approximating $100 million. Prior to that, Wuxi AppTec remains the company’s exclusive partner for R&D manufacturing for innovative biologics in China. The alliance builds on the existing joint venture between MedImmune and WuXi AppTec to develop and commercialise MEDI5117, a novel biologic for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, in China.

An investment of $50 million will help to build an additional development and launch facility alongside the existing manufacturing site in Wuxi City to support the development and manufacture of innovative small molecules discovered in China and other global R&D sites.

Additional investments also include the creation of a new global hub for Pharmaceutical Development – alongside those in the UK and Sweden - with up to 50 scientists based in Shanghai and Wuxi City, to support both China and global needs. AstraZeneca is also establishing an integrated China medicines development organisation, bringing together early and late-stage medicines development across small molecules and biologics.