Daniel Leal-Olivas / EPA
The company’s profits exceed forecasts with a clear boost from cancer and diabetes medicines.
A AstraZeneca registered profits above forecasts in the third quarter of this year, driven by strong demand for its medicines reference in the areas of oncology e diabetes.
Earnings per share, excluding extraordinary items, increased by 14% to $2.38, exceeding the average estimate of $2.30 from analysts consulted by .
Revenues rose to $15.2 billion (13.2 billion euros), also above expectations, leading the pharmaceutical company to maintain its annual forecast, despite some analysts expecting an upward revision.
Under the leadership of Pascal Soriot, its executive director, AstraZeneca has consolidated itself as a potency in oncological therapies.
The medicines Summary ($1.6 billion in sales – against cancer), to Forkhi (diabetes) and Enhert (also against cancer) were the main growth drivers. The company has also achieved promising clinical results in new experimental treatments for breast cancer and hypertension.
The company is now investing in expanding its presence in the areas cardiovascular e metabolic, to enter the competitive obesity market with strength.
The shares rose around 1% at the opening of the London Stock Exchange and have accumulated an appreciation of almost 20% since the beginning of the year — a lower performance than rival GSK, which has increased investment in oncology drugs.
The British pharmaceutical company also announced the full acquisition of SixPeaks Bio AG, a Swiss biotechnology company specializing in weight control therapies, in a deal that could reach $300 million in additional payments.
With this investment, AstraZeneca intends to differentiate itself by developing medicines that, in addition to combating obesity, protect vital organs and preserve muscle mass.
AstraZeneca entered the media agenda in Portugal in , thanks to its vaccine to prevent the disease caused by the coronavirus.
