Our history

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.

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.

Our history

Transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do, for people, society and planet since 1913.

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