Businessweek

AstraZeneca PLC engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for various areas of healthcare. The company operates in approximately 100 countries worldwide. Products The company focuses on six therapy areas: Cardiovascular (CV), Gastrointestinal (GI), Infection, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Respiratory & Inflammation. CV Diseases Marketed Products Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is a statin used for the treatment of dyslipidaemia and hypercholesterolemia. In some markets it is also indicated to slow the progression of atherosclerosis and to reduce the risk of first CV events. Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) is an angiotensin II antagonist used for the 1st line treatment of hypertension and symptomatic heart failure. Atacand is approved for the treatment of hypertension in approximately 125 countries and for symptomatic heart failure in approximately 70 countries. Atacand Plus (candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide) is a fixed-dose combination of Atacand and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, indicated for the treatment of hypertension in patients who require approximately 1 anti-hypertensive therapy. Atacand Plus is approved in 99 countries. Seloken/Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate) is a beta-blocker once daily tablet used for 24-hour control of hypertension and for use in heart failure and angina. Tenormin (atenolol) is a cardioselective beta-blocker used for hypertension, angina pectoris, and other CV disorders. Plendil (felodipine) is a calcium antagonist used for the treatment of hypertension and angina. Zestril (lisinopril dihydrate) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor used for the treatment of a range of CV diseases, including hypertension. Axanum (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and esomeprazole) is a fixed-dose combination indicated for prevention of CV events in high-risk CV patients in need of daily low-dose ASA treatment and who are at risk of gastric ulcers. Axanum is approved in 27 countries and has been launched in 11 countries. Brilinta/Brilique (ticagrelor) is an oral antiplatelet for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes in a new chemical class called cyclo-pentyl-triazolo-pyrimidines, which are selective adenosine diphospate (ADP) receptor antagonists that act on the P2Y12 ADP-receptor. It has been approved in 88 countries, including the United States of America (U.S.), Canada, and Brazil under the trade name ‘Brilinta’ and in the European Union (EU), Iceland, and Norway under the trade name ‘Brilique’. Diabetes The company continues its worldwide diabetes alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) to co-develop and co-commercialise two compounds discovered by BMS, such as Onglyza and Forxiga for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Forxiga (dapagliflozin) is a selective and reversible inhibitor of human sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2 inhibitor) indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise as a once daily oral medication to improve glycaemic control in adult patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus as add on combination therapy or as monotherapy in metformin-intolerant patients. Komboglyze (saxagliptin and metformin HCl) is an immediate release fixed-dose combination indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adult patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on their maximally tolerated dose of metformin alone or those already being treated with the combination of saxagliptin and metformin as separate tablets. Kombiglyze XR4 (saxagliptin and metformin XR) is an extended release fixed-dose combination indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both saxagliptin and metformin is appropriate. Onglyza (saxagliptin) is a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Byetta (exenatide injection) is an injectable medicine indicated to improve blood sugar (glucose) control along with diet and exercise in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Bydureon (exenatide extended release injectable suspension) is an injectable medici