Our history
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Transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do, for people, society and planet since 1913.
AstraZeneca was founded in 1999 through the merger of Sweden's Astra AB and the UK's Zeneca Group PLC. This strategic merger combined each company’s strengths to drive scientific breakthroughs and bring innovative solutions to patients around the globe. Since then, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to science and our pursuit of cutting-edge research, continuing to deliver life-changing medicines and transform healthcare for people everywhere.
The AstraZeneca history timeline
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2025
We announce plans to invest $50 billion in medicines manufacturing and R&D in the United States by 2030, including a new, state-of-the-art drug substance manufacturing facility in Virginia focused on chronic diseases.
2025
We invest $2.5 billion in a new global strategic R&D centre in Beijing, our second in China and sixth worldwide.
2024
Shanghai is named as our fifth global strategic R&D centre.
2024
We invest $300 million in a state-of-the-art facility in Rockville, MD, US to accelerate the discovery and development of next-generation cell therapies.
2023
We launch Evinova, a health-tech business to accelerate innovation across the life sciences sector.
2022
We celebrate the life and legacy of José Baselga. A lifelong student and mentor, José helped transform cancer treatment for patients around the world.
2022
Announcement of our plans for a new strategic R&D centre in Cambridge, MA, US, scheduled for completion in 2026.
2021
We are one of the first companies to be awarded the inaugural 2021 Terra Carta Seal, awarded to companies that are driving innovation and leadership to tackle climate change.
2021
Acquisition of Alexion, a company with a legacy of translating complex biology into medicines.
2021
We unveil the Discovery Centre (DISC) in Cambridge, UK – a state-of-the-art R&D facility.
2020
We announce our science-based Ambition Zero Carbon programme, committing to decarbonise our fleet, operations, and value chain to reach net zero by 2045 at the latest, as well as our aim to achieve a carbon negative value chain by 2030.
2020
AZ Forest launched as part of our science-based Ambition Zero Carbon programme, later expanding the programme goal to plant and maintain 200 million trees across six continents by 2030.
2020
Launch of the Partnership for Health System Sustainability & Resilience (PHSSR) with London School of Economics and World Economic Forum. We are later joined by partners KPMG, Philips, WHO Foundation, and the Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation.
2020
We announce an agreement with the University of Oxford for the global development and distribution of a vaccine aimed at preventing COVID-19 infection from SARS-CoV-2. We commit to doing this at no profit during the pandemic, and to provide broad and equitable supply around the world.
2020
Establishment of Sweden Biologics Manufacturing Center in Södertälje, Sweden.
2019
We enter into an agreement with Daiichi Sankyo to develop and commercialise cancer medicines.
2014
Acquisition of Bristol Myers Squibb’s share of the diabetes alliance reinforcing our long-term commitment to patients with diabetes.
2014
Launch of Healthy Heart Africa, our programme committed to tackling hypertension and the increasing burden of cardiovascular disease, with the ambition to reach 10 million people with elevated blood pressure across Africa by 2025.
2014
Open Innovation programme launched, enabling better research links with academia, industry, NGOs and governments.
2013
Gaithersburg, MD, US becomes one of our strategic R&D centres.
2013
We set out our strategy to achieve scientific leadership, return to growth and ensure AstraZeneca is a great place to work.
2010
Young Health Programme launched; a global disease prevention programme with a unique focus on young people aged 10 to 24, living in vulnerable environments and under-resourced settings around the world.
2006
We acquire Cambridge Antibody Technology and, in 2007, MedImmune, giving us a leading position in biologics technology.
2005
We acquire KuDOS Pharmaceuticals further enhancing our Oncology area.
1999
Astra AB and Zeneca PLC merge to form AstraZeneca PLC.
1993
Zeneca group establishes its first presence in China.
1993
ICI demerges its pharmaceuticals business, forming Zeneca Group PLC.
1992
Alexion founded in New Haven, CT, US.
1988
Sir James W. Black, discoverer of the beta-blocker and employee of ICI Pharmaceuticals, receives the Nobel prize for medicine.
1982
Astra strikes deal with the MSD to co-operate in the US.
1975
Astra opens manufacturing centre in Gärtuna, Sweden.
1974
AI Pharma K.K. established in Japan.
1972
ICI expands into the US with the acquisition of Atlas Industrial Chemicals.
1966
ICI opens its factory in Macclesfield, UK.
1957
ICI establishes ICI Pharmaceuticals building on its successful involvement in the development of penicillin.
1955
Astra Draco R&D site established in Lund, Sweden.
1954
Astra Hässle R&D site established in Gothenburg, Sweden.
1926
Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) is founded in the UK. For much of its history, ICI was one of the largest manufacturers in the UK.
1913
Astra AB is founded in Södertälje, Sweden by a group of doctors and apothecaries.
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Veeva ID: Z4-74996
Date of preparation: June 2025