Businessweek

-acting beta2-agonist used for maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema in the U.S. Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide/ formoterol in a dry powder inhaler) is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a fast onset, long-acting beta2-agonist used for maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD. In asthma, it is also approved for Maintenance and Reliever Therapy. Symbicort Turbuhaler is used in various parts of the world outside the U.S. Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide in a dry powder inhaler) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for maintenance treatment of asthma. Pulmicort Respules (budesonide inhalation suspension) is a corticosteroid administered via a nebuliser for the treatment of asthma in both children and adults. Rhinocort (budesonide) is a nasal steroid used as a treatment for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), perennial rhinitis, and nasal polyps. Oxis Turbuhaler (formoterol in a dry powder inhaler) is a fast onset, long-acting beta2-agonist used for the treatment of bronchial-obstructive symptoms in asthma and COPD. Accolate (zafirlukast) is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the treatment of asthma. Strategy The company’s strategy is to return to growth and achieve scientific leadership, as well as simplification and productivity, and financial objectives and capital allocation. Its strategic priorities include driving its on-market growth platforms to return to growth as it moves through a period of patent expiries and revenue declines; progressing the Phase II pipeline with the goal of increasing its Phase III asset volume and delivering on the potential of its biologics portfolio; launching a steady flow of specialty care products, balancing the company’s historic strength in primary care; rebuilding its R&D platform through innovation and distinctive science supported by co-location of its teams and better access to worldwide recognized science clusters; significantly simplifying the business, improving productivity, and building a culture that supports long-term success; utilizing business development and acquisition opportunities to strengthen the product pipeline. Significant Events The company and BIND Therapeutics, Inc. have a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize an Accurin, a targeted and programmable cancer nanomedicine from BIND Therapeutics, Inc.'s Medicinal Nanoengineering platform, based on a molecularly targeted kinase inhibitor developed and owned by the company. History The company was founded 1992. It was incorporated in England and Wales in 1992 under the Companies Act 1985. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in 1999.