Archive · 13 Nov 2025
AstraZeneca India Eyes Growth Through Oncology, Rare Diseases, and AI
AstraZeneca is a company that makes medicines to help people get better.
In India, they want to bring new and better treatments for diseases like cancer, heart problems, and rare sicknesses.
They are working hard to make new medicines using science, like ones that help the body fight cancer itself or use special 'tags' to deliver medicine right to cancer cells.
They also want to help people with very rare diseases that don't have many treatments.
AstraZeneca is using computers and smart technology, called AI, to help them find new medicines faster and to help doctors spot diseases early.
They are investing more money in India to make sure people here can get these advanced medicines.
They believe working with the government and other companies can help make these medicines available and affordable to more people.
AstraZeneca Pharma India is focusing on delivering life-changing medicines, particularly in oncology, cardiovascular, renal, and rare diseases.
The company anticipates significant innovation in oncology through approaches like immuno-oncology and antibody-drug conjugates.
AstraZeneca aims to accelerate the availability of global innovations to Indian patients, working to close the historical gap in drug access.
The company is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize drug discovery, streamline processes, and improve early disease detection.
AstraZeneca is committed to ensuring accessibility and affordability of its innovative therapies in India through patient assistance programs and potential collaborations.
- Who
- Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President and Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India
- What
- Discussed company's growth strategy, focus on innovation in oncology and rare diseases, and integration of AI in operations and drug discovery.
- When
- Interview with Business Today, specifics not mentioned but discusses future plans for next 3-5 years and global plans by 2030.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address unmet medical needs, deliver life-changing medicines, and expand patient reach in India.
- Company
- AstraZeneca Pharma India
- Key Growth Areas
- Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal, Respiratory, Vaccines, Rare Diseases, GLP-1
- Innovation Focus
- Immuno-oncology, Antibody-Drug Conjugates, T-cell engagers, Precision Medicine
- AI Integration
- Shortening R&D timelines, Optimizing candidate selection, Streamlining processes, Early disease detection (e.g., lung cancer)
- Recent Initiatives
- Third tranche of investment in India, Nine regulatory approvals in FY25, Launched Eculizumab for rare diseases
- Future Plans
- Introduce ~20 new medicines globally by 2030, Expand reach to more patients in India