AstraZeneca - Q4 and Full-Year Results Interview

LONDON, January 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AstraZeneca said its full-year results had outperformed guidance, with growth in emerging markets compensating for patent expiries and pricing pressures from Western governments.

The company said a reallocation of resources had led to growth of 16 per cent in its emerging markets, led by China where sales broke through the $1bn mark for the first time.

In an interview with http://www.cantos.com, David Brennan, CEO, said the company had seen "a strong and resilient performance" in 2010.

He expressed disappointment about recent pipeline setbacks but said the company had resubmitted its response to the FDA regarding Brilinta, having already achieved approval for Brilique in Europe. He also pointed to successes such as Vimovo and Kombiglyze.

"We've recommitted to that strategy of investment in human health, to try to really bring new, meaningful medicines to patients," he said. "And we've made changes in our research and development organisation to improve that, but at the same time we've made changes across our organisation to make sure that we're prepared for the future."

The interview and transcript are available now on http://www.cantos.com/company/AstraZeneca.

Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email [email protected] or phone +44-207-936-1352.

SOURCE AstraZeneca