Biotech Investment News: AstraZeneca’s 10-Year Deal Overview & 2025 Update (2015–2025)

Strategic Review: Investing in ADCs, Rare Diseases, and Biomanufacturing Capabilities

AstraZeneca has expanded significantly in oncology through antibody and ADC partnerships, including a high-profile collaboration with Japan’s Daiichi Sankyo. The acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals further anchored its rare disease portfolio, while the purchase of Pfizer’s manufacturing site in Ireland indicates investment in in-house biologics production.

Key Acquisitions & Partnerships (2015–2025)

• 2015: Acquired majority stake in Acerta Pharma (BTK inhibitors) – ~$4B
• 2020: First ADC partnership with Daiichi Sankyo (Enhertu: breast and gastric cancers)
• 2021: Acquired Alexion Pharmaceuticals (rare diseases) – ~$39B
• 2022: Second ADC deal with Daiichi Sankyo (DS-1062 and others) – ~$6B
• 2023: Acquired Pfizer’s biologics manufacturing facility in Ireland
• 2024: Partnership with Absci for AI-powered antibody generation

Strategic Significance

AstraZeneca’s biotech investments reflect a clear focus on oncology innovation and rare disease expansion. Collaborations with international partners—especially the Daiichi Sankyo alliance—illustrate its openness to cross-border, cross-technology synergies.

My Insight

By partnering with Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca has emerged as a global frontrunner in ADC development. Its openness to strategic international alliances highlights a future-ready model for innovation-driven drug development.

References

• AstraZeneca–Daiichi Sankyo 2nd ADC Deal (2020/2022)
• AstraZeneca Acquires Alexion (2021)
• Fierce Biotech – Absci Collaboration (2024)