AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development, and marketing of prescription drugs. The company was formed in 1999 after the merger of Astra AB, a Swedish pharmaceutical company, and Zeneca Group plc, a British biotechnology company.
AstraZeneca produces several well-known prescription drugs, including Arimidex for breast cancer, Crestor for high cholesterol, Nexium for acid reflux, and Symbicort for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The company’s research and development focus on a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, immunology, and neuroscience. In 2020, AstraZeneca developed a vaccine against COVID-19, which is being distributed globally under the brand name ‘Vaxzevria’ (also known as ‘Covishield’ and ‘AZD1222’).
Overall, AstraZeneca is a global leader in pharmaceutical research and development, with a strong presence in both developed and developing markets around the world.