AstraZeneca reinforces commitment to healthcare

This month, AstraZeneca placed 68th out of 1,000 businesses on Time Magazine’s World’s Best Companies 2024 list, and secured 55th spot in the sustainability transparency category – the highest rank among pharmaceutical companies.

AstraZeneca and its partners bring together experts from home and abroad in its mission to develop new solutions

“This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our more than 90,000 employees to transforming the delivery of healthcare through science-based solutions,” the company wrote in a statement following the publication of the list.

In Vietnam, with a steadfast commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing healthcare accessibility, AstraZeneca has been instrumental in driving transformative change within the local healthcare landscape for decades.

Highlights of recent advances were unveiled at the National Lung Cancer Research Conference, co-organised by K Hospital and AstraZeneca, in June. It brought together leading medical experts from Vietnam and internationally to share experiences and insights into lung cancer research practices. The conference, attended by Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, highlighted the importance of clinical trials in developing new treatment solutions and improving patient outcomes.

Thanks to the strong and comprehensive partnership between AstraZeneca with the Vietnamese government, the Ministry of Health, and various healthcare organisations, AstraZeneca is enabling to implement groundbreaking initiatives that address critical healthcare challenges and deliver tangible benefit to the Vietnamese people, such as the Healthy Lung Programme, Young Health Programme, CaReMe, the Health Innovation Network, and more.

AstraZeneca initiatives have helped spread awareness of various diseases, and helped provide access to screening and diagnosis

Last year the Health Innovation Network, a collaborative effort with the Vietnam Young Physician Association, which aims to accelerate the application of digital tools in screening and detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), was made available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Can Tho, and Thua Thien-Hue, with over 60 participating hospitals and screening for lung diseases for over 100,000 people.

In 2024, focusing on health of the lungs, kidneys, and cardiovascular and metabolic health, the Health Innovation Network will continue to provide direct consultation and examination of 100,000 people. It also aims to screen one million people for diseases using AI technology, and educate one million young people on preventing NCDs.

Beyond innovation, AstraZeneca is deeply committed to sustainability. Recognising the interconnectedness of human health and planetary health, the company has invested in initiatives that promote environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Last year, the company announced investment of up to $50 million into Vietnam as part of its global AZ Forest programme to restore its forests and landscapes, as well as complement the nation’s net-zero goals and the National Strategy on Climate Change towards 2050.

AstraZeneca’s commitment to Vietnam even extends beyond its own initiatives. The company has been instrumental in strengthening the overall healthcare system by investing in local capacity building and technology transfer, which was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2023.

This is part of a $90 million investment to support Vietnam in improving its pharmaceutical production capacity. In the 2022-2030 period, it plans to create at least three important pharmaceutical products in Vietnam, ensuring that innovative medicines are accessible to patients throughout the country.

Atul Tandon, AstraZeneca Vietnam general director, said, “We’re committed to transforming healthcare in Vietnam through innovative solutions. By partnering with the government, healthcare organisations, local experts, and investing in research and development, we’re developing innovative therapies that address unmet patient needs. Our focus on sustainability ensures that these advancements are delivered in a way that benefits the people, society, and the planet.”

Established in 1994, AstraZeneca Vietnam is investing $360 million over this decade with a focus on reducing the burdens of diseases, enhancing healthcare access for patients, uplifting domestic biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities, and developing local talent and sustainable development. The company has invested $70 million in R&D to conduct clinical trials, thereby bolstering the country’s research capabilities and improving early access to innovative medicines for patients.

In terms of accolades, AstraZeneca in Vietnam was awarded a certificate of merit by the prime minister for its outstanding contributions to the country’s vaccine diplomacy in 2022, as well as certificates of merit by the Ministry of Health for exceptional dedication in cancer treatment in 2019; remarkable contributions during the pandemic in 2020; achievements in breast cancer awareness and support for cancer patients in 2022; and from the Central Executive Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union for outstanding accomplishments in the implementation of the Health Innovation Network in 2023-2024.

Most recently, the company was awarded a Great Technology & Innovation Award by the British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as corporate sustainability awards by Nhip cau dau tu magazine.

In 2023, AstraZeneca as a whole invested $10.9 billion in R&D globally. The company’s deep commitment has been reflected in its consistent top rankings on the Pharmaceutical Innovation and Invention Index, achieving the top position in Invention and third in Innovation for 2023.

AstraZeneca currently supports 68 research studies at nearly 50 hospitals across Vietnam, with over 6,500 patients participating.

AstraZeneca to build 1.5 billion USD cancer drug facility in Singapore British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced on May 20 its intention to build a 1.5 billion USD facility in Singapore to produce new generation cancer treatment drugs.

AstraZeneca honoured with award from BritCham The British Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam has acknowledged AstraZeneca for its unwavering commitment and outstanding achievements in advancing innovation and applying science in the healthcare sector in Vietnam.

AstraZeneca Vietnam deepens collaboration to enhance education and research AstraZeneca Vietnam is continuing its collaboration with the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Ho Chi Minh City in medical education and science research capacity enhancement.

Empowering innovation for Vietnam's sustainable healthcare VIR plans to host a healthcare conference on September 25, expecting to attract about 200 participants, including policymakers, international organisations, senior experts, and those from the business community.