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astrazeneca expanding its leadership in biopharmaceutical research
latest investment further demonstrates the company’s commitment to strengthening the canadian health sciences industry and supporting patients across the country
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this story is sponsored by
astrazeneca
this story was created by content works, postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of a client.
in january, astrazeneca announced an $820 million investment in canada. this latest commitment creates more than 700 highly skilled jobs across all areas of the business. this news follows a $500m investment in 2023, as well as astrazeneca’s 2024 acquisition of hamilton-based fusion pharmaceuticals inc. for $3 billion in one of the largest research investments ever made in a canadian biotechnology company.
“it’s an incredibly exciting time for astrazeneca in canada,” says gaby bourbara, president, astrazeneca canada. “since 2023, we have invested $4.3 billion in canada’s life sciences sector. we have created more than 1,200 highly skilled jobs that are helping us develop and deliver life-changing medicines. with our acquisition of fusion pharmaceuticals inc., we are supporting innovative research that could redefine radiotherapy for cancer patients.”
these investments have also included the expansion of astrazeneca’s global research and development (r&d) hub and the creation of a new alexion r&d hub focused on rare disease research.
with a 70-year history of operating in canada, bourbara credits astrazeneca’s focused strategy for the company’s continued success here.
ontario has become a competitive global destination for clinical trials and r&d, according to gaby bourbara, president, astrazeneca canada. supplied
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“astrazeneca canada leads by advancing great science and next generation therapeutics, leveraging promising new modalities and technologies to benefit patients here in canada and around the world,” says bourbara. “but we know we can’t do this alone. collaboration with stakeholders across the health-care spectrum — from government and health-care providers to not-for-profit organizations and technology innovators — is the key to improving the health of people, society and the planet.”
government support has been an important factor in expanding astrazeneca’s footprint and strengthening the economy in ontario, says bourbara. “strategic investments in life sciences by all levels of government have created a supportive environment for the biopharmaceutical industry, making ontario a competitive global destination for clinical trials and r&d. support from the ontario government, through invest ontario, helps in securing investments locally and stimulating job creation. when combined with a commitment to providing timely access to new medicines, these investments drive scientific advancements that ultimately benefit canadian patients.”
clinical research close to home
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astrazeneca canada’s mississauga site — a recently designated global r&d hub — and the alexion, astrazeneca rare disease development hub, are now leading more than 210 global clinical studies worldwide, involving more than 50,000 patients. in canada, astrazeneca’s hub leads more than 215 local clinical trials at over 650 sites involving more than 1,000 patients.
the research spans a broad range of disease areas globally, including various cancers, such as lung, breast, prostate and blood cancers. they also cover cardiovascular and renal metabolism, including chronic kidney disease, respiratory and inflammation, including asthma and copd, as well as infectious disease and vaccines, alongside historically underserved rare diseases.
“there are a number of reasons that astrazeneca chose ontario for this investment,” says krista olsen, executive director, global study management, astrazeneca. “ontario offers a large network of world-class universities, hospitals, laboratories, and research centres. we also have one of the world’s best-educated and most diverse talent pools in the health sciences technology area, ranking first across the g7 countries.”
olsen points to health canada’s transparency as a regulator as another factor that makes canada an ideal location for an r&d hub. “we know we are operating within a health-care system that holds itself to high standards of care for patients.”
krista olsen, executive director, global study management, astrazeneca. supplied
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canada’s diversity is an additional positive attribute when it comes to recruiting clinical trial participants. “canada is an ideal country for recruiting patients for clinical trials,” says olsen. “its diverse population allows us to advance the applicability of clinical trials across a wide range of demographic groups.”
when we conduct trials in this country, canadian patients are among the first to benefit from groundbreaking medical advancements, she adds. “patients who participate in trials receive a high level of medical care, while having access to new therapies, sometimes years before they become widely available.”
collaborative company culture
as it continues to expand its r&d footprint, astrazeneca canada has been recognized for nurturing a diverse, inclusive and supportive culture, earning accolades like being named a top gta employer for 11 consecutive years and a 2024 canada’s most admired corporate cultures. “every day, i see how the diversity of our team helps drive innovation by contributing to a dynamic and open culture where new ideas flourish,” says bourbara.
astrazeneca is equally committed to being a leader in sustainability and playing its part helping to tackle some of society’s greatest challenges, from climate change and biodiversity to health equity and health system resiliency. it aims to be carbon neutral by 2030, reinforcing its dedication to creating a sustainable future.
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“astrazeneca’s future in canada is bright, with exciting developments ahead as we expand our footprint in canada, foster greater innovation and collaboration, enhance employee wellbeing and, most importantly, deliver life-changing medicines to patients,” says bourbara.
this story was created by healthing content works, healthing.ca’s commercial content division, on behalf of astrazeneca.
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