AstraZeneca is a science-led biopharmaceutical company pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines.
The future of treatment for many of today’s diseases lies in uncovering disease mechanisms that are newly emerging or are still to be discovered. We believe the best way we can help patients is to focus on breakthrough science in order to uncover disease mechanisms and develop novel, targeted therapies that interact with them. This is at the heart of our business and our purpose as a company: to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines.
At AstraZeneca South Africa every one of our employees makes a difference to patient lives every day. We are inspired by the things that seem impossible and stimulate continued creativity throughout our organisation, maintaining a culture in which our people feel valued for their ideas and contributions. Ideas that can make a difference in all aspects of our business and to healthcare in South Africa.
Currently over 180 people are employed by AstraZeneca in South Africa with a wide range of expertise in different areas including sales, marketing, medical & regulatory affairs, IT, finance, human resources and administration. Our Johannesburg office serves as a hub of communication between our office-based staff and more than half the company’s employees that are directly involved in promotion of the company’s medicines to healthcare professionals throughout the country.
Sunninghill, Gauteng | +27 (0)11 797 6000 | https://astrazeneca.com |
INVESTING IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Globally, AstraZeneca invests over $5.9bn in R&D across 5 countries in our three strategic R&D centres and two satellite centres.
In South Africa AstraZeneca launched the Research Fund in 2014. The not-for-profit grant fund supports local academic medical research funding in the area of non- communicable diseases, including cardiovascular/ metabolic diseases and cancer. It is hoped the academic research grants, conferred for high level studies, including doctoral and post-doctoral work, will generate much needed accurate data in the area of non-communicable diseases.
STRENGTHENING PATIENT SUPPORT
Phakamisa: AstraZeneca’s Oncology programme in South Africa brings together different organisations to help raise awareness of breast and prostate cancer, strengthen healthcare capabilities, and improve access to treatment and support networks.
Yes2Life: The Diabetes Patient Support Programme in South Africa, in partnership with ’Health Window’, offers patients telephonic support on disease education and adherence to medication. The programme has been extended to include diabetes case managers who provide face-to-face patient support on prescribed medication and disease management.