LONDON, Feb 8 — British drugs group AstraZeneca said today net profit almost doubled to US$6 billion (RM28.6 billion) last year, with a strong cancer division helping offset a huge decline in sales of Covid treatments.
“As AstraZeneca celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are pleased to report another year of strong financial performance and scientific progress, with double-digit earnings growth,” chief executive Pascal Soriot said in the results statement.
“We expect another year of strong growth in 2024, driven by continued adoption of our medicines across geographies,” he added.
Group revenue climbed three per cent to nearly US$46 billion last year compared to 2022, even though sales of Covid treatments slumped by more than US$3.7 billion.
Its oncology unit saw sales jump 23 per cent.
“Our differentiated and growing portfolio of approved medicines, global reach and rich research and development pipeline give us confidence that we will continue to deliver industry-leading growth,” Soriot added. — AFP
