Who Is AstraZeneca PLC?
AstraZeneca PLC is a globally renowned, publicly listed biopharmaceutical company headquartered at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Established on 17 June 1992, AstraZeneca has grown into a life sciences leader known for developing, manufacturing, and delivering cutting-edge medicines that address some of the world’s most serious diseases.
From its deep UK roots, the company operates across a full value chain, from drug discovery and development to manufacturing and global distribution.
As one of the largest biopharmaceutical investors in the UK, AstraZeneca is committed to advancing health outcomes while supporting British innovation, economic growth, and sustainability.
Its scientific ambition is matched by a purpose-led approach to health and care: transforming the future of medicine through equitable access, environmental stewardship, and long-term partnerships with public institutions and research organisations.
Who Leads AstraZeneca PLC?
AstraZeneca PLC is led by a distinguished executive and non-executive board, bringing together deep scientific, operational, and strategic experience from across the globe:
- Pascal Claude Roland Soriot, Chief Executive Officer (appointed 2012): Steering global vision and biopharma strategy with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Aradhana Sarin, Chief Financial Officer (appointed 2021): Oversees fiscal strategy and international growth initiatives.
- Matthew Shaun Bowden, Company Secretary (appointed 2025): Leads governance, compliance, and corporate regulation.
Other experienced directors include:
Euan Angus Ashley, Philip Broadley, Birgit Conix, Karen Costello, Michel Demaré, Rene Haas, Diana Layfield, Anna Manz, Sherilyn McCoy, Tony Mok, Sabera Rahman, and Marcus Wallenberg.
The Board’s broad expertise ensures strong governance, scientific rigour, and responsible leadership aligned with AstraZeneca’s global mission.
What Are the Company Details of AstraZeneca PLC?
AstraZeneca PLC is a global biopharmaceutical company with deep roots in the UK and a mission to improve health through innovation. Below are key details that define its structure, operations, and impact:
| Feature | Details |
| Business Name | AstraZeneca PLC |
| Corporate Structure | Public Limited Company – FTSE 100 listed |
| Registered Office | 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AA |
| Incorporated | 17 June 1992 |
| Core Activities | Manufacture and research of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology |
| SIC Codes | 21100, 21200, 46460, 72110 |
| Previous Names | Zeneca Group PLC; ICI Bioscience PLC; Hackplimco (No. Five) PLC |
| Target Audience | Global healthcare providers, national health systems, and patients |
| UK Presence | Five UK sites, including a major global manufacturing hub |
| Workforce Impact | Each UK employee supports six jobs in the wider UK economy |
AstraZeneca’s UK operations reflect a dual commitment: delivering world-class therapies and generating tangible benefits for Britain’s economy, healthcare ecosystem, and environmental goals.
What Are AstraZeneca PLC’s Capital and Turnover Figures?
While AstraZeneca’s 2025 financials are due by 30 June 2026, its recent economic contributions to the UK are highly significant:
- In 2021, AstraZeneca contributed £5.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) across operations, supply chains, and worker spending.
- It supports one in every six jobs indirectly in the life sciences sector through its UK presence.
- It generates around £8.9 billion in export sales, equivalent to 1.4% of total UK exports—making it one of Britain’s largest corporate exporters.
This financial footprint illustrates AstraZeneca’s scale and strategic importance to both public health and national economic strength.
What Medicines and Products Does AstraZeneca PLC Offer?
AstraZeneca’s core offerings span multiple therapeutic areas, reinforced by its expertise in biotechnology and large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing:
Oncology
- Tagrisso: Advanced lung cancer
- Enhertu: HER2+ metastatic breast cancer
- Imfinzi: Lung and bladder cancers
- Lynparza: Breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers
- Truqap, Calquence, Datopotamab deruxtecan: Targeted cancer therapies
Respiratory & Immunology
- Symbicort, Bricanyl: Asthma and COPD
- Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere: Combination therapies for chronic lung conditions
- Tezspire: Severe asthma
Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM)
- Forxiga: Diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease
- Lokelma: Hyperkalaemia
Other Notable Medicines
- Nexium: Acid-related gastrointestinal disorders
- Seroquel: Mental health treatments
Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca: A key global response to the pandemic, co-developed with the University of Oxford
AstraZeneca’s product development is tightly integrated with its clinical trials and biotech R&D, often in collaboration with NHS institutions and research charities.
How Can You Contact AstraZeneca PLC?
AstraZeneca ensures open, compliant, and responsive communication with patients, professionals, and stakeholders across the UK:
| Department | Contact Details |
| UK Medical Information | 0800 783 0033 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) |
| Medical.InformationUK@astrazeneca.com | |
| Registered Office | AstraZeneca PLC, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AA |
For investor relations, corporate inquiries, or regulatory matters, communications are handled directly through its headquarters and secretarial team.
Why Choose AstraZeneca PLC?
AstraZeneca PLC stands as a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, with a strong UK presence and global impact. The company is widely recognised for its scientific excellence, particularly in developing treatments for oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases.
As a key player in the UK life sciences sector, AstraZeneca contributes significantly to exports, job creation, and R&D infrastructure.
The company actively collaborates with the NHS, charities, and academic institutions, fostering partnerships that create shared value.
Its environmental efforts are equally commendable, AstraZeneca has already achieved a 59% reduction in emissions since 2015 and aims to plant over one million trees by 2025.
AstraZeneca is also committed to developing the next generation of talent, supporting over 500 early-career scientists through PhDs, apprenticeships, and industrial placements.
Combining innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, AstraZeneca plays a vital role in shaping the UK’s health and industrial future.
