Becoming AstraZeneca
Since 1912, AstraZeneca has been committed to patient health by continually
working to discover, develop, and deliver innovative healthcare solutions
that help enrich the lives of patients, families, and communities.
In order to recount the rich history of AstraZeneca, it is necessary to
also tell the story of each of the companies on which our current mission
was built, along with the history of resulting mergers, acquisitions, and
milestones.
AstraZeneca milestones 2001-present
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2001
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Launch of NEXIUM® (esomeprazole magnesium).
Launch of ZOMIG-ZMT® (zolmitriptan) Orally Disintegrating Tablets.
The FDA approves a new heart failure indication for TOPROL-XL® (metoprolol succinate).
ENTOCORT™EC (budesonide)*, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate, active Crohn's disease, receives FDA approval.
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2002
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The FDA approves a new indication for ARIMIDEX® (anastrozole), for the adjuvant treatment of hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in post menopausal women.
The AstraZeneca Cancer Support Network (AZ CSN), staffed by specially trained nurses, pharmacists, and reimbursement specialists, is established.
The AstraZeneca Visions of Hope™ Traveling Exhibit begins touring the country, providing visitors with information on breast cancer detection and treatment options.
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2003
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CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium), the cholesterol-lowering medication, receives FDA approval as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of various lipid disorders, including primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and isolated hypertriglyceridemia.
IRESSA® (gefitinib), for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer for third-line patients, receives FDA approval.
The FDA approves a new indication for ZOMIG® (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray Formulation (5.0 mg) for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults.
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2004
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SEROQUEL® (quetiapine fumarate) Tablets, for treatment of acute mania associated with bipolar disorder, receives FDA approval.
Launch of IN YOUR CORNER™, a free support program for breast cancer patients.
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2005
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The National Business & Disability Council (NBDC) named AstraZeneca’s SEROQUEL “Product of the Year.” The “Product of the Year” is awarded to a company or individual that has designed or is responsible for manufacturing and distributing a product that has helped enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
AstraZeneca contributes over $1 million to the American Red Cross and free medicine to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The company also matched all contributions made by its US employees to the American Red Cross. AstraZeneca donates $250,000 to the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. to support the rebuilding process of its member patient health centers that suffered damage in the Gulf States.
AstraZeneca proposes a mandatory requirement for pharmaceutical companies to submit all direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Division of Drug Marketing and Communication (DDMAC) for review prior to its use. AstraZeneca makes the recommendation in written testimony submitted to FDA’s Public Hearing on Consumer-Directed Promotion of Regulated Medical Products.
AstraZeneca signs agreements with Targacept Inc. to develop treatment for Alzheimer’s and AtheroGenics to develop a novel medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
For the fourth consecutive year, AstraZeneca is named a “top employer” in Science magazine’s ranking of the world’s most respected biopharmaceutical employers.
AstraZeneca donates $2 million to provide support, education, and services to cancer patients and their caregivers through the Hope Lodge. Now called the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, this facility will provide free temporary housing facilities for cancer patients who are undergoing treatment and their families.
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2006
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AstraZeneca is accredited as an organization that meets the requirements of the CEO Cancer Gold Standard. The accreditation recognizes AstraZeneca as an organization that promotes healthy lifestyles, has programs to reduce the risk of cancer, and educates employees on prevention, quality care, adherence, and screenings to aid in early detection.
AstraZeneca begins an important relationship with Abraxis BioScience, Inc., partnering together to promote the breast cancer treatment, ABRAXANE® for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound).
In 2005, the FDA approved ABRAXANE for the treatment of breast cancer after failure of combination chemotherapy for metastatic disease or relapse within six months of adjuvant chemotherapy. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline unless clinically contraindicated.
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*No longer marketed by AstraZeneca
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