AstraZeneca’s Chinese research plans “important for future success”

AstraZeneca has revealed it will invest $100 million (53.4 million pounds) in research and development facilities in China, in a move described as being “important” to the company’s future success.

Britain’s second largest pharmaceuticals company describes itself as the leading multinational company currently operating in China, where it employs 2,200 employees. It also claims to be the first pharmaceutical company to include China for large-scale clinical research trials.

It intends to build the Innovation Centre by 2009 to focus on translational science and developing knowledge about Chinese patients. The centre will focus on cancer research initially.

David Brennan, AstraZeneca’s chief executive, said he welcomed the Chinese government’s support for innovative companies bringing expertise into the country.

He stated: “With China’s rapid economic growth and increasing demand for better healthcare, China has become one of the most important emerging markets for AstraZeneca and will be important to our future success.”

“We fully support China’s national focus on innovation by substantially increasing our R&D investment, both in financial terms and in terms of scientific collaboration,” he added,

AstraZeneca already has “a number” of collaborations with Chinese organisations and companies, including a $14 million deal with Wuxi Pharmatech for compound collection synthesis. It also has a manufacturing facility in Wuxi, a headquarters in Shanghai and 19 branch offices. The company works to the motto: “In China, for China”.

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