Q3 2025 AstraZeneca PLC Earnings Call
Speaker #2: Good afternoon and welcome to AstraZeneca s nine month and Q3 2025 webinar for investors and analysts . Before I hand over to AstraZeneca , I'd like to read the Safe Harbor statement .
Speaker #2: The company intends to utilize the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Participants on this call may make forward-looking statements with respect to the operations and financial performance of AstraZeneca.
Speaker #2: Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions . By their very nature , forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and may be influenced by factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward looking statements .
Speaker #2: Any forward looking statements made on this call reflect the knowledge and information available at the time of this call . The company undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements .
Speaker #2: Please carefully review the forward looking statements . Disclaimer in the slide deck that accompanies this presentation and webcast . There will be an opportunity to ask questions after today's presentation .
Speaker #2: Please use the Raise Hand feature to indicate you wish to ask a question at any time during the call . And with that , I'd now like to hand the conference over to the Head of Investor Relations at AstraZeneca , Andrew Barnett .
Speaker #3: A very warm welcome to AstraZeneca . Year to date and third quarter 2025 presentation , conference call and webcast for investors and analysts .
Speaker #3: I'm Andrew Barnett head of investor Relations . And before I hand over to Pascal and other members of our executive team , I'd like to cover some important housekeeping items .
Speaker #3: Firstly , all of the materials presented today are already available on our AstraZeneca Investor Relations website . Next slide please . This slide contains our cautionary statements regarding forward looking statements , including the safe harbor provision , which I'd encourage you to take the time to read carefully .
Speaker #3: We will be making comments on our performance using constant exchange rates or CR Cor financial numbers and other non-GAAP measures and non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliation is , as usual , contained within our results announcement .
Speaker #3: All numbers quoted are in millions of US dollars unless otherwise stated . Next slide please . This slide shows the agenda for today's call and following our prepared remarks , we'll open the line for questions .
Speaker #3: As usual , we will try and cover as many questions as we can during the allotted time . Although please limit the number of questions that you ask to allow others a fair chance to participate in the Q&A .
Speaker #3: And with that , please advance to the next slide and I will hand over to Pascal .
Speaker #4: Thank you Andy , and welcome everyone . I'm pleased to report that our strong growth , momentum and pipeline delivery have continued through the first nine months of 2025 .
Speaker #4: Total revenue grew by 11% , driven by continued demand for our innovative medicines and EPs increased by 15% since our full year results in February .
Speaker #4: We've achieved 31 regulatory approvals across key regions , and the pace at which we are bringing new medicines to patients continues to accelerate .
Speaker #4: Importantly , we've announced positive results from 16 phase three trials and six of our data sets were presented in plenary sessions at major congresses .
Speaker #4: A clear reflection of the importance of this data to the medical community . Please advance to the next slide . Combined , our global reach and diverse sources of revenue .
Speaker #4: Have a significant or significant strengths . Ensuring low concentration , risk and resilience to regional disruptions . We have continued to deliver strong growth across therapy areas and geographies .
Speaker #4: In the first nine months . Our oncology franchise grew by 16% , reflecting the ongoing demand for our medicines across the globe . Our biopharmaceuticals and rare disease franchises were also up eight and 6% , respectively , with strong growth from our new medicines .
Speaker #4: More than offsetting the loss of exclusivity of a limited number of mature brands , including Brilinta , Pulmicort and Soliris . Importantly , we continue to see robust growth across all key geographies , particularly in the US and the emerging markets outside of China , where revenue revenues were up 11 and 21% , respectively .
Speaker #4: Please move to the next slide . We are in a unique catalyst rich period . One that I'm excited to say looks set to continue well beyond 2026 .
Speaker #4: Shown here are the high value positive studies we've announced in 2025 . And as you can see , we are delivering success across all of our key therapy areas .
Speaker #4: Since our last quarterly update . We've announced four additional positive phase three study readouts Destiny-breast04 five , together with breast destiny-breast01 , the read out earlier this year marks an important advance for patients with early Her2 positive breast cancer that could potentially benefit from an Her2 breast .
Speaker #4: O2 has the potential to establish that hallway as a new standard of care in triple negative breast cancer . The Bax 24 trial results reinforce the best in class profile of Baxdrostat in treatment resistant hypertension and finally , tulip subcu will enable us to bring a more convenient subcutaneous administration of saphnelo to patients .
Speaker #4: All these positive phase three readouts continue to give us confidence towards our 80 billion 2030 ambition . Next slide please . I'd like to address recent developments for AstraZeneca in the United States .
Speaker #4: The US remains our largest market and is projected to account for around 50% of our total revenue by 2030 . We announced a landmark agreement with the US government , which provides greater clarity around pricing and a three year exemption from tariffs .
Speaker #4: The agreement will lower the cost of many prescription medicines for American patients , while safeguarding America's cutting edge biopharmaceutical innovation with the administration's support , we are now working with others to deliver price equalization across wealthier markets .
Speaker #4: An approach that offers a more sustainable future for governments , industry and patients . In addition , we continue to focus on clinical trial diversity and further enhancing our clinical trial footprint in the US to support our growth ambitions .
Speaker #4: We've been steadily expanding our global manufacturing capacity , including broadening our US footprint over the last several years . Last month , I was pleased to break ground on our new Virginia facility , joined by Senator Lutnick , Governor Youngkin and Doctor Oz .
Speaker #4: And lastly , I'm grateful for our shareholders to voting through our proposal to harmonize our listing structure in London , Stockholm and New York .
Speaker #4: AstraZeneca . Ordinary shares will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange from February next year . This new listing structure will offer flexibility to access the broadest available pool of capital , including in the US , and enable more shareholders to participate in AstraZeneca's exciting future .
Speaker #4: And with that , please advance to the next slide and I will hand over to Aradhna .
Speaker #5: Thank you , Pascal , and good morning . Good afternoon everyone . As usual , I will start with our reported personnel . Next slide please .
Speaker #5: Total revenue increased by 11% in the first nine months . Product sales grew by 9% with strong growth seen across the business in key regions .
Speaker #5: Alliance revenue increased by 41% , driven by continued growth for both Enhertu and Tezspire in regions where our partners book product sales . Next slide please .
Speaker #5: This is our core PNL . Our core gross margin in the first nine months was 83% . We continued to anticipate a slight decrease in the core gross margin for the full year versus 2024 , due to the Medicare Part D reform .
Speaker #5: Brilinta Soliris . Biosimilars and increased profit sharing from partnered products similar to prior years , we anticipate the core gross margin in the fourth quarter to be lower than in the third quarter , driven by the usual seasonal pattern with more sales from lower margin products like Flumist and Beforethis .
Speaker #5: R&D expenses increased by 16% in the first nine months , driven by sustained high activity , including many clinical trials . Having enrolled ahead of plan .
Speaker #5: We've also made significant investments in high value pipeline opportunities such as our I o bispecifics weight management and cell therapy portfolios . As a percentage of total revenues , core R&D costs accounted for 23.3% and we continue to expect R&D to land at the upper end of the low 20s .
Speaker #5: Percentage range for the full year . We have continued to make progress towards our 2026 margin goal and remain on track . As you can see from our nine month results with core operating margin at 33.3% , operating leverage continues to remain a focus internally .
Speaker #5: And again , as you can see from the first nine months , product revenue grew at 11% in SG&A , grew at 3% , core EPs of $7.04 represents Sir growth of 15% .
Speaker #5: Next slide please . We have seen strong cash flow inflow from operating activities in the year to date , up by 37% versus the prior year to $12.2 billion , driven by robust underlying business momentum in the year to date .
Speaker #5: We saw CapEx as $2.1 billion . And as previously stated , we anticipate an increase of around 50% for the full year which implies a step up in the fourth quarter , which also is normal , as in prior years , our capital allocation priorities remain unchanged .
Speaker #5: We currently have interest bearing debt of close to $33 billion , which is a level we're comfortable with as we plan to continue making investments to support future growth , build our supply chain globally , and further strengthen our R&D pipeline .
Speaker #5: Our net debt to EBITDA ratio currently stands at 1.2 times . Turning to guidance . versus 2024 , reiterating our full year guidance with total revenue and core EPs and dissipated to increase by high single digit and low double digit percentage , respectively .
Speaker #5: At constant exchange rates . We expect our strong revenue momentum in growth brands to continue . I would like to remind you that in the fourth quarter of 2024 , we booked more than $800 million in sales based milestones under collaboration revenue .
Speaker #5: This year , we do not anticipate any significant milestone revenue in the fourth quarter , which will affect the year over year growth rate comparisons for the fourth quarter .
Speaker #5: In addition , in China , while growth has been strong throughout the year , fourth year , fourth quarter revenues are anticipated to be affected by vwbp associated stock compensation costs for Farxiga , Lynparza and Roxadustat , and the usual year end hospital budget capping .
Speaker #5: In addition to tender order variability in emerging markets similar to prior years , we also anticipate a sequential step up in both R&D and SG&A expenses in the fourth quarter versus the third quarter .
Speaker #5: With that , please advance to the next slide , and I will hand over to Dave , who will take you through the incredible performance of our oncology and hematology business .
Speaker #6: Thank you . Aradhna . Next slide please . Oncology . Total revenue grew 16% in the first nine months to $18.6 billion , with broad based double digit growth across US , Europe and emerging markets .
Speaker #6: The US in particular , continued to report strong year over year growth of 19% , highlighting robust demand for our medicines , which substantially outpaced the increased liabilities resulting from Medicare Part D redesign .
Speaker #6: Emerging markets also delivered impressive performance , with 20% growth during the period , focusing on third quarter performance . We achieved robust 18% growth for the second quarter in a row .
Speaker #6: Tagrisso delivered sales of $1.9 billion in the third quarter , representing 10% growth on the prior year . Widespread demand across all major regions reinforces Tagrisso's role as the backbone of care for EGFR mutated lung cancer .
Speaker #6: The first line lung cancer combination market continues to expand , with Flaura two , the clear leader in terms of new patient starts and total scripts .
Speaker #6: The compelling overall survival results presented at the World Congress of Lung Cancer and subsequently published in the New England Journal of Medicine , will drive further leadership .
Speaker #6: Calquence remains the leading BTK inhibitor in first line CLL across major markets , with total revenues increasing by 11% to $916 million in the third quarter .
Speaker #6: In the US , we continue to see increased demand more than offset the impact of part D redesign with improved market share versus the same period last year .
Speaker #6: We're seeing positive early signs of adoption for Amplify in Europe , and expect this trajectory to continue through the remainder of the year with the US launch anticipated in the first half of 2026 .
Speaker #6: Lipasa , which remains the leading Parp inhibitor globally delivered revenues of $837 million in the third quarter , up 5% year on year , with consistent growth across key regions .
Speaker #6: Truqap total revenues of $193 million in the third quarter represented 54% growth versus Q3 last year , with the Akt , PTEN biomarker altered population almost fully penetrated .
Speaker #6: Growth is now primarily driven by increased uptake of the Pik three CA population and ongoing launches in developed and emerging markets . This was another outstanding quarter for our I franchise , with growth of Imfinzi and Imjudo of 31 and 14% , respectively .
Speaker #6: We see continued enthusiasm for infancy in the new lung indications Adriatic and Aegean and in bladder cancer , with Niagara alongside further expansion in our more established indications such as Himalaya and Caspian .
Speaker #6: We are also starting to see early signs of adoption of Matterhorn in the US , following its category one NCCN Guideline Inclusion and eagerly await regulatory decisions in Her2 .
Speaker #6: Total revenues grew 39% in the third quarter, with ongoing launches of the Destiny-breast03 six indication, further strengthening our leadership position in HER2 low metastatic breast cancer.
Speaker #6: The strong initial uptake in China following Nrdl enlistment has persisted through Q3 . As we achieve even broader coverage and continue to drive adoption .
Speaker #6: Positive readouts across Her2 positive breast cancer at Asco and Ismo are anticipated to further drive growth , with data now spanning across the spectrum of Her2 positive disease .
Speaker #6: And finally , Dapro continues to make inroads in hormone receptor positive breast cancer across the US and Europe . In this quarter , we have started to see encouraging early signals of uptake in the previously treated EGFR mutated lung cancer space , following US approval and NCCN guideline inclusion .
Speaker #6: We are confident in carrying our strong performance from the first nine months through to year end as we continue to expand the reach of our innovative medicines .
Speaker #6: With that , please advance to the next slide and I'll pass over to Susan to cover key R&D highlights from the quarter .
Speaker #7: Thank you . Dave . Just over two weeks ago at the European Society of Medical Oncology , AstraZeneca delivered multiple pivotal data sets with the potential to reshape clinical practice , including two featured in presidential sessions .
Speaker #7: This underscores the quality and breadth of our science and reinforces AstraZeneca leadership in bringing new advances to patients worldwide . Destiny-breast01 and oh five advanced Enhertu into the early treatment setting for Her2 positive breast cancer , highlighting its potential to become a foundational therapy in early disease .
Speaker #7: And ultimately increasing the likelihood that more patients can be cured of breast cancer . In destiny-breast01 , treatment with Enhertu , followed by THP prior to surgery resulted in a pathologic complete response rate of 67% in patients with high risk Her2 positive early stage breast cancer .
Speaker #7: The highest ever reported rate in a phase three Registrational trial . In this setting . We also saw an early trend towards an event free survival benefit with Enhertu , followed by THP .
Speaker #7: Importantly , this regimen demonstrated a favorable safety profile versus the five drug a THP regimen with lower rates of grade three or higher adverse events .
Speaker #7: Serious adverse events and treatment interruptions . This makes Destiny breast when the first regimen in over a decade significantly improve outcomes in the earliest treatment setting for Her2 positive breast cancer , and these data are now under FDA review in Destiny-breast03 in reduce the Risk of disease recurrence or death by 53% compared to T-dm1 in patients with high risk , Her2 positive early breast cancer following neoadjuvant therapy with over 92% of patients treated with Enhertu free of invasive disease .
Speaker #7: At three years . This data set offers a critical second opportunity to reduce recurrence risk in this patient population . Taken together , Destiny-breast01 and oh five have the potential to transform early stage Her2 positive breast cancer by reducing metastatic recurrence and bringing patients closer to cure , and this represents a blockbuster opportunity across the Alliance .
Speaker #7: We also shared data from the Tropium breast oh two trial , which evaluated Dettori versus chemotherapy as a first line treatment for patients with locally recurrent , inoperable or metastatic triple negative breast cancer , for whom immunotherapy is not an option .
Speaker #7: These patients typically have poor outcomes with a with the current standard of care and five year overall survival rates of just 15% , Pbo2 included those with the poorest prognosis often excluded from clinical trials , such as patients with a short , disease free interval and those presenting with brain metastases at baseline .
Speaker #7: In Tbr2 , Dash away delivered an unprecedented five month improvement in median overall survival versus chemotherapy , along with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 43% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death .
Speaker #7: In addition , almost two thirds of patients experienced a complete or partial response to dashaway , double the rate seen with chemotherapy alongside a manageable safety profile .
Speaker #7: Low rates of discontinuation , and no treatment related deaths . These data clearly differentiate dashaway and together with its convenient three weekly dosing , position it to reshape the TNBC landscape .
Speaker #7: For the 70% of first line patients who are not suitable for immune checkpoint inhibitors . Our other key phase three readout of asthma was Potomac .
Speaker #7: This trial moves in fimsa into early stage bladder cancer , demonstrating that adding one year of efficacy to BCG induction and maintenance therapy delivers both early and sustained disease free survival benefits .
Speaker #7: With a 32% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death compared to BCG alone in high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, this Imfinzi regimen has shown that 87% of patients remained alive and disease-free at two years, highlighting its potential to change the trajectory for these patients and further building on its impact in muscle invasive disease.
Speaker #7: As shown in Niagara . These results reinforce the strength of our bladder program , and we very much look forward to data from the Volga trial in cisplatin ineligible .
Speaker #7: Muscle invasive . Bladder cancer , which is now expected in the first half of next year . In addition , we presented phase three data from capital 281 for Truqap in combination with abiraterone , an androgen deprivation therapy in PTEN deficient metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer .
Speaker #7: Taken together , these pivotal data sets strongly support our strategy to advance novel therapies into earlier stage disease , where they have the greatest potential to improve patients lives .
Speaker #7: We also presented significant new data across our early programs , including first in human results for our folate receptor alpha ADC , AZT or Tofersen in platinum resistant relapsed ovarian cancer .
Speaker #7: New data for our part one selective inhibitor sorafenib in combination with androgen receptor pathway inhibitors in metastatic prostate cancer , updated findings for real in checkpoint inhibitor naive lung cancer , which compares favorably to current PD one based therapies and encouraging new results for the combination of oligospermic and in bladder cancer .
Speaker #7: All these results build our confidence in the long term strength of our pipeline , positioning us to deliver innovation well beyond 2030 . Before closing , I want to highlight the upcoming American Society of Hematology meeting in December .
Speaker #7: We will present updates of our Cd319 CD3 , t cell Engager survive and our Cd19 , BCmA , dual car T Azido 120 .
Speaker #7: These pipeline assets both have $5 billion plus Non-risk adjusted peak year revenue potential . And we'll build our position in hematologic malignancies with the opportunity to set new standards across this space .
Speaker #7: And with that , please advance to the next slide . And I'll pass over to Ruud to cover biopharmaceuticals performance .
Speaker #8: Thank you so much Susan . Next slide please . Oh biopharmaceuticals medicines delivered a strong performance in the year to date with total revenue reaching 17.1 billion .
Speaker #8: Reflecting growth of 8%, starting with RNAi. We saw growth of 40% in the quarter, driven by strong performances across our inhaled and biologic portfolio.
Speaker #8: The growth medicines now constitute over 60% of the therapy areas revenue and have grown at an impressive rate of 30% year to date .
Speaker #8: Our products now make up half the Q2 brand prescriptions for the severe asthma biologic segment in several markets , but Sinovac continues to lead in eosinophil asthma .
Speaker #8: We were pleased to see growth accelerating to 20% in the quarter , which for Cinryze product profile being strengthened by uptake in Egpa and our first revenues from China this year continues its rapid market share gains in severe asthma , with 47% growth in the quarter .
Speaker #8: Its growth potential has been further enhanced by recent approvals in the United States and the EU . For chronic with nasal polyps . Based on the waypoint trial , which demonstrated a significant reduction in nasal polyp size and eliminated the need for surgery , rhetoric grew at 20% , driven by market share gains in the growing triple class .
Speaker #8: All revenues today come from COPD patients , and we have now filed regulatory submissions for asthma in all major regions following the positive results from the Kalos locus trials .
Speaker #8: We are pleased to receive a positive CHMP recommendation for our next-generation propellant, which has 99.9% lower global warming potential. This is a key milestone towards our company's sustainability goals and will be the first of our inhaled medicines to transition to the next-generation propellant, Saphnelo.
Speaker #8: Our biologic medicine for sale continues to win . Share in the intravenous segment of the market and grew at 44% in the quarter .
Speaker #8: In September , we announced positive high level results based on the interim analysis from the Tulip subcutaneous study , which paves the way for Saphnelo to reach Ashley .
Speaker #8: Patients who prefer a subcutaneous option . Tulip has recently received a positive chmp recommendation in the EU . Total revenue from the therapy area was flat in the quarter , reflecting the loss of exclusivity for Brilinta , which saw a revenue decline of 56% .
Speaker #8: Pozega delivered 8% growth despite a slight decline in Europe due to the earlier than expected entry of generic competition in the United Kingdom , Lokelma grew 30% , maintaining its leading share in the potassium binder class for chronic kidney disease and heart failure .
Speaker #8: Patients . In anticipation of further growth for Lokelma , we were excited to have recently opened an expanded manufacturing facility in Texas . In addition to the strong product performances in the year to date , I am also particularly excited to see the number of high value biopharma trials due to readout in 2026 , and with that , I will now hand over to Sharon to discuss the latest developments for Baxter .
Speaker #8: The next enemy we anticipate launching in biopharma has more than $5 billion per year revenue potential.
Speaker #9: Thank you Ruth . Next slide please . At AstraZeneca , our ambition is to transform care across interconnected cardiorenal and metabolic diseases where multiple risk drivers and organ systems overlap .
Speaker #9: Hypertension is a key part of this challenge , and in the past 20 years , there has been very limited innovation . For example , around half of patients currently treated in the US remain uncontrolled , while on multiple medicines .
Speaker #9: Baxdrostat is designed precisely for these patients . As a reminder , Baxter Stat is a once daily , highly selective and potent aldosterone synthase inhibitor targeting the aldosterone pathway at its source .
Speaker #9: Excess aldosterone is well established as a driver of hypertension and broader cardiorenal disease . By limiting aldosterone production , baxdrostat provides a clean , targeted mechanism that has the potential to enable more patients to reach their treatment goals , particularly those with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension .
Speaker #9: In the third quarter , we presented the first phase three data for Baxdrostat monotherapy with the backs hptn trial at the European Society of Cardiology .
Speaker #9: We were also delighted to report the positive high level results for the phase three backs 24 trial . Collectively , these readouts reinforce our confidence in baxdrostat more than $5 billion potential franchise in the backs Hptn trial for patients with uncontrolled and treatment resistant hypertension on maximally tolerated background therapy , Baxdrostat delivered the largest systolic blood pressure reduction reported in a primary analysis to date at 12 weeks .
Speaker #9: Placebo reductions were 8.7 and 9.8mm of mercury on the one and two milligram doses , respectively . Responses were highly consistent across pre-specified subgroups , and we saw powerful target engagement with a 60 to 65% reduction in serum aldosterone at week 12 .
Speaker #9: Importantly , this reduction was sustained over time . Furthermore , in the randomized withdrawal period , patients continuing baxdrostat saw further reductions in blood pressure out to 32 weeks .
Speaker #9: Dextrostat also demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile . Adverse events were mostly mild , with no off target hormonal effects and no clinically relevant drug .
Speaker #9: Drug interactions observed . Confirmed hyperkalemia above six millimoles per liter was 1.1% in both dose . Arms , and we saw low discontinuation rates of 0.8 and 1.5% for the one and two milligram doses , respectively .
Speaker #9: 24 hour control of hypertension matters clinically . Early morning blood pressure variability is strongly correlated to the risk of cardiovascular events , so sustained control of blood pressure between doses is important .
Speaker #9: Baxter STAT's long half life is a key differentiator in an ambulatory substudy of Baxter . We saw substantial reductions in 24 hour average and nighttime systolic blood pressure .
Speaker #9: Building on this , we recently reported positive high level results from the phase three backs 24 trial , which was conducted in the most difficult to treat patients .
Speaker #9: Those with resistant hypertension . In backs 24 Baxter STAT demonstrated a statistically significant and highly clinically meaningful reduction in ambulatory 24 hour average systolic blood pressure .
Speaker #9: Efficacy was observed across the entire 24 hour period , including early morning . We look forward to sharing these exciting data with the medical community at the American Heart Association .
Speaker #9: This coming weekend . These results solidify . Baxter starts potential as a first and best in class option for patients with uncontrolled and resistant hypertension , offering convenient , once a day dosing with sustained blood pressure control around the clock .
Speaker #9: We are advancing our regulatory filings and rapidly progressing our robust clinical development program for Baxdrostat , both as a monotherapy and in combination with dapagliflozin .
Speaker #9: And with that , please proceed to the next slide and I'll pass over to Mark to cover rare disease .
Speaker #10: Thank you Sharon . Can I get the next slide please ? Rare disease medicine grew 6% to $6.8 billion in the first nine months of the year , driven by growth in neurology indications , increased patient demand and continued global expansion in the third quarter .
Speaker #10: Ultomiris grew 17% , driven by patient demand across indications , including the competitive MGP and PNH markets . Soliris revenues continues to decline due to the successful conversion to Ultomiris , as well as biosimilar pressure in Europe and grew 28% and Koselugo grew by 79% , respectively , due to strong underlying demand for these medicines , Koselugo growth also benefited from some tender orders in emerging markets .
Speaker #10: We continue to see great momentum across the rare disease portfolio with recent approval for Koselugo and Ultomiris that further geographic reach for this medicine .
Speaker #10: Please advance to the next slide . We presented data from our phase three Prevail trial investigating Mab or novel dual binding Nanobody targeting C5 in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis .
Speaker #10: Mab demonstrated 1.6 points improvement from baseline placebo adjusted in myasthenia gravis . Activities of daily living . Total score at week 26 . The total score change from baseline reached 4.2 points at week 26 .
Speaker #10: In the Mab treated patients , a clinically meaningful improvement in Mg-adl total score . Was observed as early as week one , and was sustained through week 26 .
Speaker #10: If you demonstrated rapid , complete , and sustained complement inhibition . If Mab also met all secondary endpoints , including quantitative myasthenia gravis , total score where demonstrated 2.1.
Speaker #10: improvement at week 26 compared to placebo . A prespecified measurement at week four also met statistical significance . Again demonstrating the rapid onset of action of Mab in patients with GMG .
Speaker #10: The Prevent trial was conducted in a broader GMG patient population , compared with prior trials of C5 targeted therapies . Mab is a convenient , self-administered subcutaneous once a week treatment with a potential for two delivery options a prefilled syringe and auto injector , which would be the first in GMG .
Speaker #10: We believe that the strength of this data and convenient administration generally map has the potential to become a new first line therapy following immunosuppressive therapies .
Speaker #10: I also wanted to update on other important phase three data . We had this year . Analysis of the 50 week , 52 week results from the Calypso trial to further characterize enable parathyroid are ongoing .
Speaker #10: We will continue monitoring this patient in the open label extension for Alemtuzumab . We have shared clinical results from the phase three CARES program with regulatory authorities .
Speaker #10: Following further discussions , we plan to submit for the prespecified patient subgroup in which Mab demonstrated a highly significant improvement in both time to all cause mortality and frequency of cardiovascular hospitalization compared to placebo .
Speaker #10: And finally , IFN alpha . We expect to announce results from all phase three studies . Hickory , chestnut , and mulberry in the first half of next year .
Speaker #10: Together , these three trials cover patients across pediatric , adolescent and adult hypophosphatasia population . And with that , please advance to the next slide and I will hand over to Pascal .
Speaker #4: Thank . Thank you . Mark . Next slide please . As I mentioned at the start of this call , we're in the midst of an unprecedented catalyst rich period , one which is anticipated to extend through 2026 and beyond .
Speaker #4: We look forward to exciting readouts in each of our key therapy areas in 2026 , which on a combined basis , represents a risk .
Speaker #4: Sorry , a risk adjusted PK year revenue opportunity of more than $10 billion . Our exceptional performance through the first nine months through .
Speaker #4: Saw us deliver a core operating margin of 33.3% . This is a clear demonstration that despite the opportunities to invest in this rich pipeline , we remain committed to driving operating leverage and we remain on track for both our 2026 margin target of mid 30s and our $80 billion , 2030 revenue ambition .
Speaker #4: Next slide please . In closing , I'm very pleased to report that we are making exciting progress across our transformative technologies , which have the potential to drive AstraZeneca's growth well beyond 2030 .
Speaker #4: We're moving at pace with our oral Pcsk9 inhibitor Prostat , and now we have three phase three trials ongoing , and we're looking forward to the results from our phase two trials .
Speaker #4: Across our weight management portfolio next year . We're driving forward with our ADC and our radio conjugate portfolio with the first phase three of our ADC reading .
Speaker #4: In the first half of next year , supporting our ambition to replace current immune checkpoint inhibitors with next generation by specifics , we now have 14 phase three trials underway for stomach and stomach , and we are continuing to strengthen our hematology portfolio with our first phase three trial already underway for our Cd19 .
Speaker #4: CD3 , T-cell engager , and we are planning to advance our Cd19 , BCmA , Car-T , Azd 012 zero into phase three next year .
Speaker #4: And lastly , our first gene therapy is now entering the clinic . And with that , please advance to the next slide and we will move to the Q&A .
Speaker #4: As Andy mentioned at the start of the call , please limit the number of questions you ask to allow others a fair chance to participate .
Speaker #4: For those online , please use the Raise Hand function on zoom . And with that , let's move to the first question . Our first question is from Michael Luxton at Jefferies .
Speaker #4: Over to you , Michael .
Speaker #11: Thank you . Pascal , two questions for you . Please . One , thank you for the comments around the environment in Washington .
Speaker #11: Just wondering if you could comment on what is the risk of residual activity coming from the administration . How confident are you that the deal that AstraZeneca has managed to secure removes enough of the overhang so we don't have to look over our shoulders constantly as we think about R&D , productivity and the cost of innovation .
Speaker #11: And the second question for you , Pascal , the 10 billion number that you just mentioned in terms of the catalyst potential coming out of the 2728 period , is that part of the 80 billion or is that incrementally potential already on top of that ?
Speaker #11: Thank you .
Speaker #4: Thanks , Michael . So the first question , what I would say about this is that we have addressed the four points in the president's letter and the four points , as you know , they covered Medicaid .
Speaker #4: They covered prospective equalization direct to consumer . And also returning to the US government , some of the potential price increases for existing products .
Speaker #4: And so we've covered all of this . So now our expectation is that essentially we have an agreement with the US government . And we do not expect anything more to come .
Speaker #4: But of course , we are not the government . So we cannot guarantee anything . We can only say that our expectation from the discussions we've had , our expectation is that this agreement is delivering what the president was looking to achieve on the 10 billion .
Speaker #4: This is part of our 80 billion . This is this is , by the way , not a 2030 number . It's a peak year of revenue number .
Speaker #4: It's a risk adjusted 10 billion . But suddenly it will . Contribute to achieving our 2030 ambition . There is more to come .
Speaker #4: We have a number of readouts next year and we expect from the readouts we expect another ten actually 11 billion of risk adjusted sales to come out of these readouts .
Speaker #4: Assuming , of course , they're positive . We could get even more so , as I said before , it is quite unprecedented for us as a company to have such a rich series of readouts across not only oncology , but also hematology , cardiovascular disease , respiratory disease , immunology , rare diseases .
Speaker #4: So really , I would say the company is firing from all engines in terms of our ability to innovate and come up with new products .
Speaker #4: So with this move to Sarita Kapila at Morgan Stanley , Sarita , over to you .
Speaker #12: Hi . Thanks for taking my question . And the comments on 2026 margins . Perhaps you could indicate your level of comfort on where 2026 consensus sits at the low end at 34% , and talk about the step up to get there .
Speaker #12: And then more broadly , could you speak about the pushes and pulls , please ? On 2026 , margin and then secondly , there's been a lot of investor focus on the Roche perseverance trial coming in Q1 26 , which is looking at Giredestrant in all comer breast cancer .
Speaker #12: Could you talk about the potential read across to Camizestrant ? Are there any notable differences between the molecules or any differences in the trial design that could increase chances of Serena for success versus perseverance , and why it may not be a good read .
Speaker #12: Thank you .
Speaker #4: Thank you . So it's really three great questions . The first two are can you cover and Suzanne would can you pick up the perseverance question .
Speaker #4: And I'll read out to Camizestrant .
Speaker #5: Sure . Thanks to so as you've seen , you know , we've had very strong momentum in all our growth brands . And with with with this momentum going into the year end , we hope it continues .
Speaker #5: And expect it to continue in all markets and all the brands , the the key headwind in 2026 will really be the loss of Farxiga in both us as well as China .
Speaker #5: And you know , that's something that we had anticipated and are obviously planning around . We're right now going through our our budget process and we'll take all these different pushes and pulls as well as the , the recent agreement with the US government and , and all those impacts into account as we set our budget , we will continue to invest behind growth brands and plan for new launches such as Baxter , STAT , Cami and Datto .
Speaker #5: And given all the portfolio , you know , I think we'll continue to invest in R&D towards the high end of the of the 20% , given all the progress in the ADC and the cardiovascular and and weight management portfolio .
Speaker #5: So those are some of the pushes and pulls and you've seen the performance and the continuous margin progression , as well as the the SG&A , which we've maintained very strong leverage over and R&D , obviously , is where we you know , we we always find great opportunities .
Speaker #5: So while we remain disciplined , we're going to continue investing behind that .
Speaker #4: Thank you .
Speaker #5: For .
Speaker #4: Yeah , thank you . Just before Susan covers the next point , I think Hannah covered really very well . Our view of 2026 .
Speaker #4: One maybe piece . I wanted to add is that some people maybe wondering about the impact of the agreement with the US government .
Speaker #4: What I would say on this is that , you know , I have not covered it . We have a very broad portfolio geographically and also broad portfolio of new products , new launches , and we think we can absorb the impact of this agreement .
Speaker #4: We're confident we can absorb it in 26 and beyond . And it really doesn't affect our 2030 ambition . And it doesn't affect our mid-term ambition .
Speaker #4: So over to you , Suzanne , with perseverance .
Speaker #7: Thanks , Pascal . So just as a reminder , you know , Camizestrant , with the data that we showed in both the Serena two study and then with the recent Serena six study in first line has really shown the best profile of all of the oral serds that have reported so far .
Speaker #7: We've had the best hazard ratio versus fulvestrant in both the ESR mutant as well as in the wild type . But the fundamental point is , as you move from second line to first line , there's an increase in the endocrine sensitive part of the population .
Speaker #7: So for those wild type patients , they can still be expected to benefit . Because what you're doing is you're inhibiting both the transcriptional signal downstream of the estrogen receptor , regardless of whether it's wild type or mutated .
Speaker #7: And you've also reducing the amount of that receptor through degradation . To very low levels . And we showed that in the Serena three study .
Speaker #7: So those both those mechanisms of action are expected to be superior to the aromatase inhibitor component of current first line backbone therapy . In terms of , you know , cross comparisons , I would point out that the Serena four study is a larger study than and we've designed it to enrich for patients that have got endocrine sensitive profile based on the clinical inclusion exclusion criteria .
Speaker #7: So we've designed it taking into account what we've previously learned and including from trials such as Parsival , etc. , to optimize for the opportunity for success in that first line setting .
Speaker #4: Thank you . Suzanne . So the next question is Justin Smith at Bernstein . Over to you , Justin . Justin , are you all right ?
Speaker #4: Go ahead .
Speaker #13: Yeah . Sorry . Just a couple . On Wainua for Sharon Barr rude . Just firstly on cardio Transform . Just your thoughts on whether that could meaningfully reshape treatment guides .
Speaker #13: Long guidelines , long term . And then also just your thoughts on whether any new , simpler diagnostic tests are coming soon to potentially expand the cardiomyopathy population .
Speaker #13: Many thanks .
Speaker #4: Thank you . So maybe , Sharon , do you want to cover and if you have anything to add , please jump in .
Speaker #9: Sure . So we look forward to the readout of the phase three Cardio Transform study in 2026 . Do we have the potential to meaningfully transform that treatment algorithm for patients ?
Speaker #9: I think what we're able to demonstrate with the cardio Transform study is both the role of silencers in adequately treating disease and in a planned subset key secondary endpoint readout will be looking at the effect of eplontersen in patients who have tafamidis .
Speaker #9: And so that'll give us the opportunity to be able to address that key question for patients . Comparing the effect of silencer plus stabilizer versus silencer , which I think will be very important in guiding patient treatment decisions .
Speaker #9: And then finally , AstraZeneca is in a unique position in developing new therapies for patients living with Attr amyloidosis . And that we also have Alexian 22 , 20 the amyloidosis Depleter in our portfolio .
Speaker #9: And we continue to work towards creating a combination approach of a depleter and a silencer , which we think could be truly pivotal for patients living with Attr amyloidosis .
Speaker #9: Now , with regards to diagnosis , we know that's a key part of the patient journey , and we know that this is not simply a hereditary disease .
Speaker #9: The hereditary variants are rare , but the disease is not . This is also a disease of the aging . So being able to screen for and detect patients earlier in their disease progression will be really fundamental to offering patients improved outcomes .
Speaker #9: So to that end , we are exploring a number of different of opportunities to be able to more accurately and earlier diagnose Attr amyloidosis .
Speaker #9: And those include AI informed models that allow us to identify patients on screening with echocardiogram or potentially EKG , as well as developing new biomarker assays to be able to detect soluble amyloid .
Speaker #9: So we continue to work on all fronts to be able to drive both earlier detection and earlier treatment .
Speaker #4: Thanks , Charlene . Anything you wanted to add or .
Speaker #8: No , just a like everyone . Everyone is eagerly awaiting for the for the results . What hasn't mentioned yet ? By by Sharon is that this is the largest trial so far in in actor cardiomyopathy .
Speaker #8: And if successful , hopefully we will see a CV mortality benefit which which of course is extremely important for treating cardiologists . On top of that , we're very pleased to see , the progress we are making in the first indication , the PN indication .
Speaker #8: So we can only hope for patients and also for the company and and other interested that the that the Attr-cm travel will be positive and we will know that in the course of 2026 .
Speaker #4: Thank you . Such Shenzhen Bank of America , over to you , Sachin .
Speaker #14: Hi there . Thanks for my questions . I've got a one each for Sharon and Susan on phase three . Start of each referenced .
Speaker #14: So for Sharon and you , just to remind us of the obesity portfolio , the oral and amylin as we look for phase two data next year , how are you thinking about your target competitive profile given the competitive landscape is rapidly changing ?
Speaker #14: Obviously with oral , we've seen the ortho data since you last presented , and with Amylin , we've had the Lilly data out today and then for Susan , I think you referenced the phase three start for the BCmA , Car-T , where we see data ash and 5 billion peak .
Speaker #14: I'm just looking at the abstract . It looks like you've got 100% MRD negativity in almost fourth line patients . So just wondering how you're thinking about the fastest route to market for that .
Speaker #14: And beyond efficacy , how you're seeing differentiation on safety and administration . Thank you .
Speaker #4: Thank you . Sharon . Do you want to start ? And then Suzanne .
Speaker #9: Sure . So Sachin , as you know , we are moving forward with multiple molecules in our weight management portfolio . That is 5004 that's currently in phase two for patients with obesity and type two diabetes .
Speaker #9: AZD 6234. That's our long-acting amylin peptide, a subcutaneous injectable that is also in Phase 2 for the same patient populations. And AZD 9150.
Speaker #9: And that's our dual GLP one glucagon receptor agonist . Also subcutaneous injectable . Also in phase two , as we move all three of these forward at pace , of course we're looking to have highly competitive molecules that give us reason to believe that these could be valuable treatment options for patients as we move forward .
Speaker #9: We're also thinking about the potential for market segmentation , and we know that there will be room for multiple mechanisms . And , you know , the bar is high .
Speaker #9: We've seen the very interesting data from a tide today . And so that gives us more reason to believe that a selective Amylin receptor agonist similar to 6234 , has the potential for efficacy in terms of weight loss and better blood sugar control for patients with type two diabetes .
Speaker #9: So we have seen no red flags to date , and continue to move forward at pace and expect to enter phase three pending competitive data .
Speaker #9: And we'll be making those decisions in 2026 .
Speaker #7: So in terms of the 0120 , which is the Cd19 , BCmA , dual car , thanks for the question , Sachin . We will be presenting data in a in the later line , patient population at Ash .
Speaker #7: This includes patients who are triple class refractory and a substantial proportion that have had prior BCmA , Car-T therapy . So , you know what ?
Speaker #7: What the data show is that we do have a really impressive response rates and complete response rates in evaluable patients that are that are also progressing , and they tend to evolve over time .
Speaker #7: There's a relatively small number of patients that are currently MRD evaluable . But as you rightly point out , in that small number in the in the abstract , all of them have achieved MRD negativity .
Speaker #7: The overall profile of this cell is dosed is attractive . We have for no grade three CRS and no icans in the data set that we've presented in the in the abstract .
Speaker #7: And you know , you know , I think the both the efficacy and the safety profile is related in part to the fast car manufacturing , which grey cell had developed , which is helping to deliver this predictable CRS profile .
Speaker #7: And deep and early responses . So we're very excited about the prospects for for this . And we want to reiterate that we're going to start phase three trials for this next year .
Speaker #7: And , you know , again , we'll be taking this forward in multiple settings in in multiple myeloma . Thanks .
Speaker #4: Thank you Suzanne . The next question is from Raychel Vasseur at JPM . Over to you , Richard .
Speaker #15: Thanks , Pascal . Two questions please . Firstly one , just following up on the TBO two Dutch data at ESMO . Maybe you could talk about the read across from the better tolerability you showed relative to competing products .
Speaker #15: They're both to your data . But also more importantly across the other ADC programs . What can we learn from that ? And then secondly , maybe a more commercial rollout question .
Speaker #15: Just the flimsy or imfinzi sales were , were , you know , very strong this quarter . I wonder if you could give a little bit more color on the rollout you highlighted bladder and lung , but how should we think about the runway of growth from here for for imfinzi ?
Speaker #15: Thanks very much .
Speaker #4: Thank you . Suzanne , do you want to cover the first one ? And David , the Imfinzi question .
Speaker #7: Sure . Thanks for the question . So yes , so delighted with the trophy two data that was presented at Asco . And I think this does speak to the actual design of this ADC which similar to the Enhertu design , is based on linker stability .
Speaker #7: So it's really important to have linker stability so that you actually delivering a higher proportion of the payload actually to the tumor cells and less exposure in the peripheral circulation that drives .
Speaker #7: The difference in terms of the bone marrow toxicity profile that you see with Daturae compared to some other trop2 based ADCs . And I think that is also speaks to the fact that we then delivered a higher response rate , longer progression free survival , and this five month improvement in overall survival , which I think is a differentiated profile .
Speaker #7: So that first of all , within the breast cancer space , it increases the confidence in the early stage studies that Presto three , which is in the post neoadjuvant setting , a little bit analogous to the destiny-breast03 setting .
Speaker #7: And that's in combination , of course , with Imfinzi . The the breast O four setting , which is in the neoadjuvant treatment of negative breast cancer .
Speaker #7: And then breast O five , which takes that double up combination of data and and also into the first line setting . So you know , with with those studies .
Speaker #7: Plus of course the lung cancer studies , the Avanza studies , I think the profile that we've got is one that we're confident about .
Speaker #7: And we look forward to having the future readouts in the in the coming months and years . Thanks .
Speaker #6: Thanks , Susan . With respect to the Imfinzi growth drivers in 25 and outlook moving forward , I think it has really been a great example of delivery against multiple new life cycle expansion opportunities .
Speaker #6: The primary growth drivers have been with Adriatic and small cell Aegean in early lung cancer , and then also Niagara has also been an important area of growth .
Speaker #6: All three of those represent opportunities for us to continue to see full year benefits across the globe as we launch those now there is competitive pressures that we face on all of those .
Speaker #6: With that said , our differentiation , I think , is strong in our first mover advantage is clear . I would also just point out that very importantly , we've got positive studies with Matterhorn , with strong overall survival that was presented at ESMO .
Speaker #6: We've got Potomac . Those are both studies that we are looking forward to hopefully achieving regulatory approvals across the globe . And they'll be further readouts as well that we have coming forward from here .
Speaker #6: So the Imfinzi trajectory is one that has been both strong . And I anticipate will be sustained .
Speaker #4: Thank you . Dave . Next question is from Peter Alexander . Over to you , Peter .
Speaker #16: Yeah . Thank you Peter , apologies for any background noise . Two questions for you , Pascal . I thought it was noteworthy at the investor event at ESMO cancer event , you call out back in your opening remarks that we're speaking to say they see sort of placebo adjusted blood pressure lowering in sort of 11 to 12 , 13 range .
Speaker #16: Their excitement around this asset is going to get cranked up . So I know you can't talk to the data . We're going to have to wait until Sunday .
Speaker #16: But when you look at consensus expectations down at 2 billion , you know , would you expect that that expectations for this asset materially increase post 24 data and then secondly , we've talked about the political environment in the US .
Speaker #16: I mean , the industry wants to and has to invest more in the US , wants to invest more in China . Where is that leaving Europe , I mean , Europe , what's the political environment in Europe ?
Speaker #16: Are the politicians waking up to the direction of travel ? Do you think that the innovation debate can re genuinely had in Europe or are you are you more would you say sanguine about the outlook of regarding innovation being paid for in Europe ?
Speaker #4: Thank you Peter . So let me start with Baxdrostat and then maybe I'm sure , who the who is very excited about this product .
Speaker #4: We'll want to add some more . I'm personally very excited about this product because not only because hypertension , uncontrolled hypertension is a big problem .
Speaker #4: You know , a lot of people are on three drugs and still uncontrolled . That drives kidney disease , heart disease , cardiovascular events .
Speaker #4: So that's that's a big unmet need , a much , much bigger than people understand . Really . The second reason is the effect on aldosterone .
Speaker #4: The 6,065% reduction that Sharon mentioned a bit earlier . I think we'll prove over time a massive benefit because aldosterone has not only effect on blood pressure , but also deleterious effect on the organ .
Speaker #4: It still has to be proven . But I think there's good reason to believe it is actually the case , because it it you know , it it docks on not only aldosterone receptor but also other other steroid or other receptors that are not blocked by traditional MRAs .
Speaker #4: And if you have too much aldosterone in your body , it drives organ damage over time . So I think this is going to prove really a big deal .
Speaker #4: And then you will see the data we have over 24 hours . This is really important because you need to control blood pressure at night .
Speaker #4: And particular the early morning . Sharon mentioned it . That's when people tend to have a cardiovascular event . Stroke miss . So again this this long , long lasting effect over 24 hours is important .
Speaker #4: And I can tell you you won't be disappointed with the blood pressure reduction . You will see I wrote the anything you want to add in terms of the question about big sales and the potential for this agent .
Speaker #8: Yeah , no , of course . And we are very excited and hopefully on Sunday you will see why I'm not going to speculate whether it is more than the peak , the 5 billion peak sales .
Speaker #8: We we have articulated . The only thing I can say , Peter , is that we have in total seven studies on on this program as we speak .
Speaker #8: And there are a few studies also in the fixed dose combination with dapagliflozin . And Pascal was alluding to that . Yes , blood pressure in itself is important to control that .
Speaker #8: But it has a quite devastating effect on on the kidney . And we truly believe that the combination of a well-known product like dapagliflozin , plus the potential effect , the positive effect of dextrostat , will be a very substantial driver , whether it is 5 billion or perhaps even 10 billion .
Speaker #8: Time will tell . But but there is an enormous amount of excitement , not only in the company , but more importantly , among physicians for this , for this product .
Speaker #8: And let's not forget , that's my last , last remark that if a ten millimeter mercury increase increases your risk of mace of Mace events with 30% .
Speaker #8: So I think you will see a renaissance of of the treatment of of of hypertension with a product like like that . So very exciting .
Speaker #4: Thank you . Rod . And the US political environment , I mean we've talked a lot about it . And you know this this issue has been long coming in my opinion .
Speaker #4: Because if you go back 20 years or so , there was limited difference in pricing between the US and Europe . Let's talk about Europe for a second .
Speaker #4: Really . And over time , what has happened is there's been a growing difference , mostly because in Europe we've been facing price cut clawbacks a whole cottage industry of price reductions and control of access .
Speaker #4: And if you look at healthcare costs today . Well , 20 years ago , I guess healthcare 20 , 30 , 15% of healthcare costs were dedicated to pharmaceuticals .
Speaker #4: Innovative pharmaceuticals and particular . Today you are at seven eight , 9% and one of the lowest is the UK , with 7% of healthcare costs dedicated to innovative pharmaceuticals .
Speaker #4: And you got to ask yourself , I mean , what can you do with 7% ? Not much . You know , it's it creates limited room for innovation and innovation that can save lives , but also reduce healthcare costs by delaying or delaying things like dialysis , saving patients lives and in cancer , etc.
Speaker #4: , etc. . So I think there has to be a rebalancing because the US for the last number of years has been really paying for the cost and the risk associated with innovation .
Speaker #4: We should never forget the risk . Everybody talks about the cost , but there's a massive risk . I mean , we have a portfolio committee and very often we spend several hundred million dollars in one meeting .
Speaker #4: And if those studies fail , it's a lot of money in the rubbish bin . We've been lucky this year . We've had almost 90% success rate with our phase three .
Speaker #4: But it's , you know , that's not the norm , right ? So people have to realize innovation is expensive , but it's also very risky .
Speaker #4: So I think there has to be a rebalancing . And Europe has to , you know , cover a little bit more of this innovation by increasing budgets allocated to innovative pharmaceuticals .
Speaker #4: And , you know , finally , I will say that if you look at innovation , it's happening in the US very rapidly now , it's happening in Europe , in China , and there's not so much in Europe .
Speaker #4: So it would be great for everybody , starting with patients . If Europe was also innovating a lot in our industry . It will also attract investment from companies and drive economic growth .
Speaker #4: Now , whether we are able to show the benefit of this investments to a governments in Europe is still to be seen . But there's clearly benefits to patients .
Speaker #4: Of course , but there's also benefits to healthcare costs , as innovation can drive health care costs down . And there's also economic benefit as the life sciences sector can drive economic growth like we see in the US , we see now in China .
Speaker #4: So whether we succeed or not , I don't know . But the danger for Europe is that a lot of these new technologies that we are talking about , they need new capacity , new manufacturing capabilities .
Speaker #4: And right now this is going to happen in the US . And so the risk is in 15 , 20 years , Europe will realize that they have lost control of their supply chain .
Speaker #4: For some of those most important innovative technologies , because they are manufactured in in the US and in , in China . So , you know , more to come .
Speaker #4: And of course , a lot of convincing to try to achieve . But we'll see whether we are able to do that or not .
Speaker #4: So we see move to the next question at and over to you , Matthias .
Speaker #17: Thanks so much , Matthias . And two questions , please . Firstly , on for the following . The invalidation of the patent in UK and subsequent generic launch .
Speaker #17: Remind me why this loss would not encourage generic companies to explore similar challenges elsewhere in Europe prior to patent expiration in 2018.
Speaker #17: Why the situation in UK was unique and then secondly , for Sharon , Merck will present phase three data for its oral Pcsk9 inhibitor .
Speaker #17: This weekend . Once we get the detailed data , what in particular will your team be studying to better understand its clinical profile and how it compares with your own small molecule Pcsk9 inhibitor ?
Speaker #17: Currently in phase three ? Thanks so much .
Speaker #4: So the first one I can quickly cover for , for in the interest of time . But yes , it's a very specific UK law .
Speaker #4: We can cover the details separately with you if you want offline , but just for everybody's interest . It's a very specific UK law that that doesn't apply to other countries .
Speaker #4: And the Pcsk9 questions . Sharon , do you want to cover that ?
Speaker #9: Sure . I'd love to . So as you know , our own prostat is a true small molecule inhibitor of Pcsk9 currently in phase three , we have shared the phase two data .
Speaker #9: They're very encouraging . And and we note that because our Pcsk9 is a true small molecule , it does not require solubility enhancers .
Speaker #9: And it doesn't require fasting . And so it offers a target patient profile that we think is very attractive for both monotherapy and combination approaches .
Speaker #9: And in fact , we're exploring combination approaches with a small molecule LP , A that is in our portfolio in phase one . And it also allows us to easily combine with statins , which is standard of care .
Speaker #9: We were thrilled to see that that with combinations we were able to bring 80% of patients on study to their LDL , c lowering goals .
Speaker #9: And and so we think that we're in a very solid place in the competitive landscape . Now , of course , we'll be watching Merck's data to understand how we can continue to meaningfully differentiate ourselves in this landscape as we continue to work on our go forward plans .
Speaker #9: We remain very positive about the potential for provastatin in this environment and for the potential to really meaningfully change patients lives because dyslipidemia is not yet solved .
Speaker #9: We know that the majority of patients aren't reaching their Ldl-c , lowering goals , and so there's still a major unmet medical need in the marketplace .
Speaker #4: Thank you Sharon . So we still have quite a number of questions . So can I suggest that we go one question per person .
Speaker #4: And we, on our side, will try to be short in our responses. So the next one is CMOs. Fernandez, over to you, CMOs.
Speaker #18: Thank you very much . So my one question is on the competitive developments and the evolution of the treatment of asthma and COPD .
Speaker #18: Just hoping , Ruud , if you could comment on your I guess , primary competitors outside of Dupixent . But GSK specifically making moves to advance long acting agents both Mab and their potential long acting tslp program , can you just help us with your thoughts specifically on the value of having long acting agents in that marketplace and how your own , whether it be pipeline pursuits or separately , your own existing portfolio is built to defend against that .
Speaker #18: Thanks so much .
Speaker #8: Yeah , thank you so much for for your question . And let me first emphasize that where we are as a company with both Fasenra aspire is very pleasing .
Speaker #8: We have now for the second quarter , consecutive quarter sales of above half a billion for Fasenra . So the product is , is is now annualizing of of more than $2 billion a year .
Speaker #8: And the reason I'm mentioning it is that in all the market research and our own experience in the last few years, across all geographies, clearly efficacy is the number one reason to prescribe a product.
Speaker #8: And I think that's that's very important in the choice of of of physicians . Having said that , there's always room for , for for further other modalities .
Speaker #8: And AstraZeneca is putting a lot of effort in order to , to generate the first inhaled tslp , a molecule which is quite exciting in order to broaden the patient access for a severe , uncontrolled asthmatics .
Speaker #8: We think there's a high unmet medical need for the simple reason that still too many patients are suffering from severe asthma and are not eligible for injectable .
Speaker #8: So moving earlier in the treatment paradigm with inhaled tslp , if it is working , of course , and we will know that in the course of 2026 , I think will be a huge advantage for so many patients .
Speaker #8: Still suffering . But all in all , it's clear that there are great products . We are in a very good position where the market leader in new to brand prescriptions , as I mentioned in my prepared remarks , but it's still an enormous opportunity to further accelerate the bio penetration .
Speaker #8: And last but not least , we are at the verge in order to launch Fasenra in China , which is another very important growth driver for us as a company .
Speaker #4: Thank you . The next question is from Matthew Weston at UBS . Over to you , Matthew .
Speaker #19: Thank you . Pascal . I think it's probably a question for Dave , but you flagged in your comments that 25 has been or seen a very significant benefit from new patients due to lower part D co-pays .
Speaker #19: Of course, that's allowed companies to bring free drug patients into paid coverage. As we think about 2026, do we need to consider a significant slowdown in the underlying growth of some of your assets as that free drug warehouse bolus runs out?
Speaker #19: And if yes , which product should we be most aware of ?
Speaker #4: Dave , do you cover this ?
Speaker #6: Yes , please . Thanks , Matthew , for the question . So I think just to take a small step back , if we compare what we'll expect to see in Q2 , excuse me , Q1 26 versus 25 .
Speaker #6: First , we'll have a good , if you will , apples to apples comparison because both quarters will include the impact of the part D liability .
Speaker #6: Secondly , I think also we will continue to see benefit of patients staying on commercial medicine who had switched over this year or were otherwise abandoning .
Speaker #6: So I think that one of the things that is really important here is that if you take a look at the oral medicines , tagrisso and calquence in particular , although it's also true of Lynparza , they have fairly long durations of therapy HCl with treat to progression Tagrisso in terms of the early settings , but also indeed what we see with Flora two .
Speaker #6: So I would expect that patients who have come over to commercial medicine , as opposed to being on free drug , that will continue to see the benefit of those patients in the trx's come into 2026 .
Speaker #6: The bolus patients who would have been your prevalent pool , who came on as the copay cap , went from the mid three hundreds down into the 2000 .
Speaker #6: We may not see that repeat , but I really do think we're going to see demand coming forward from new patients , new indications .
Speaker #6: And I think that we'll see good oral growth moving forward on our assets .
Speaker #4: Thanks , Dave . Maybe I could add that , you know , the year ago , you may remember a number of people were worried about the impact of the liability on our growth rate .
Speaker #4: And you can see we've been able to manage that . As we said we would . And Devin , his team have been doing an amazing job driving usage and growing our share and growing the volume to compensate for this .
Speaker #4: Liability that we've we've had to absorb in 2025 . The next question is from Steve Cohen . Steve . Steve , over to you .
Speaker #20: Thank you so much . Actually a question on Calquence is the upper end of the peak sales guidance of 3 to 5 billion still achievable given the positive data from competitors ?
Speaker #20: Calquence is 2027 . IRA negotiated price , which you presumably have by now . And I imbruvica's IRA negotiated price and related to all this was the calquence IRA price in line with your expectations .
Speaker #20: Thank you .
Speaker #4: Dave . I think it's for you again , Steve .
Speaker #6: Thanks for the question on your last piece . We will share the IRA negotiated price on Calquence once that's public , which will be happening later this quarter .
Speaker #6: What I do want to comment on , though , with respect to your peak year sales question , recall that when we put forth the ambition for 2030 , in 2024 , we had visibility at that time into the fact that we anticipated that Calquence would be an IPO .
Speaker #6: So that's absolutely consistent with the expectations that we had had . We expected that we would get positive data from amplify . That's come through and been part of what we've seen .
Speaker #6: And I think that we've seen really even better than we expected . Volume growth of Calquence , particularly within the United States . So in terms of the assumptions that went into the projections that we put forth or the ambition that we put forth in 2024 , I think it's been positive news against that .
Speaker #6: And good momentum against those figures . I'm happy that we've seen good share growth in the United States this year . On the work that we're doing .
Speaker #6: We're seeing amplify in Europe with good initial uptake , and we'll look forward to the amplify opportunity in the US . I do want to note that remember that there are no BTK bcl2 combinations for finite that are approved in the US in frontline CLL , there's a large number of patients that are receiving a finite treatment that don't involve BTK at all .
Speaker #6: And we see this as an important opportunity for the asset going forward .
Speaker #4: Thanks , Dave . So still lots of goals coming from those approved or soon to be approved indications . And we also have escalated in DLBCL .
Speaker #4: That is still to come . And next question is Rajan Sharma at Goldman Sachs . Over to you Rajan . Hi .
Speaker #21: Thanks for . Hi . Sorry . Thanks for taking my questions . I just wanted to get your thoughts on and trajectory from here .
Speaker #21: Given that we now have the Db09 and the Db11 data and Pufas next year , which have been seen historically as of two of the largest opportunities , some of our feedback has suggested that initial uptake may be a little bit tentative to begin with .
Speaker #21: So yeah , we'd just be keen to get your thoughts on that . And do you expect those potential approvals during the first half to drive an immediate step up in Enhertu's growth in 26 and 27 , and then just thinking further out , do you think you'll be reaching peak penetration in breast cancer as you approach your 2030 target ?
Speaker #21: Thank you .
Speaker #4: Thank you . So question will switch up to Dave . Go ahead .
Speaker #6: All right . We'll do . So . First of all I think as we take a look at oh nine and the combination of both oh five and 11 , let's take those in two separate parts .
Speaker #6: Destiny-breast01 nine is clearly a very important opportunity to move in Her2 from the later line metastatic setting . Or the second line plus metastatic setting that we're in today into a frontline setting .
Speaker #6: The reason that that is important is , first and foremost , many more patients will have the opportunity to benefit from an enhertu because unfortunately , the number of patients that are able to receive a second line therapy goes down just as patients .
Speaker #6: Unfortunately , are either pass away or they're unable to receive further treatment . So opening up that population is going to be really important .
Speaker #6: Secondly , the duration of therapies that we see because of the the long PFS within Db09 are really important . And that's as a result of this treat to progression new paradigm that's being established .
Speaker #6: And I think that on this it's important to note that that one of the things that's been really well received by the clinical community is the lack of cumulative toxicity that is associated with enhertu .
Speaker #6: And what we're seeing within these studies that cumulative toxicity is in large part why there's been discontinuation of the taxanes in some of the other metastatic settings .
Speaker #6: And so we're really looking for this to be an opportunity to make sure that we're driving to the way that Db09 was designed , which is treat to progression Db05 and DBO .
Speaker #6: And Db11 in early stage . They represent a blockbuster opportunity together . This is a great opportunity to bring Enhertu into early settings , and I think that in terms of when will we expect uptake , certainly the clinical community does follow guidelines .
Speaker #6: Db09 we anticipate coming into guidelines sometime soon . We would hope , remember that the New England Journal of Medicine publication just came through just very , very recently .
Speaker #6: And we'll obviously look forward to making sure that the progress that we've made on the early studies gets published as well .
Speaker #4: And so so we'll try the last four questions . And the time that remains . So let's go with one question per person and be sure that our responses Louisa , at Berenberg , over to you .
Speaker #22: Thank you Pascal , I wanted to return to the 2030 ambition because you've talked about and we've seen this unprecedented success rate this year .
Speaker #22: So if the 80 billion now conservative , can you comment at all on the the mix that you're seeing with this success and what that means for profitability ?
Speaker #22: And although the xx's , you know , you're sticking at 50% Xx's contribution , are there any changes in timings of launches or the mix of the xx's in light of that US deal ?
Speaker #22: Thank you .
Speaker #4: Thank you . Louisa . Not long ago , people were thanking the 80 billion was not achievable . Now it's soon going to be a soft , soft goal .
Speaker #4: It remains an ambitious goal. And of course, we are very excited about all these new positive readouts. But, you know, it's a risky business.
Speaker #4: That's what I said . Not long a few minutes ago . So we have to remain cautious with the readouts that are coming next year .
Speaker #4: We we don't know . I hope to God we continue continue to have a high positive success readout in our readouts . But we can't be sure .
Speaker #4: So let's let's stick to the 80 billion . It's an ambitious goal . And if we can overachieve , of course we'll will do our very best to overachieve .
Speaker #4: Now , in the second question , with the profitability , you know , we want to be a growth company until 2030 , but also beyond 2030 .
Speaker #4: So certainly we can assume we can assume profitability increases . But you also have to understand we will want to continue investing in R&D .
Speaker #4: We have tremendous technologies in our hands . Cell therapy T-cell engagers Radioligands , which we haven't talked about today . All of those are making good progress .
Speaker #4: So we'll we'll certainly will want to invest in in those in from an R&D perspective . But also from a commercial perspective and beyond oncology , we have , you know , a lot to do .
Speaker #4: Also in biopharma , in rare disease . So we're not going to commit to any profitability target or improvement beyond what we've already said in the past .
Speaker #4: I have no anything you wanted to add to this ?
Speaker #5: No , not at all .
Speaker #23: The long answer , obviously , with a lot of moving parts . So maybe another time to so .
Speaker #24: Good .
Speaker #4: So the next question is from Gonzalo Arshack at Danske Bank . Gonzalo , over to you .
Speaker #25: Hi , Gonzalo . Danske Bank , thank you for taking my questions . I have one for Mark on the data that has been recently presented .
Speaker #25: It seems that the efficacy and safety signals have come fairly in line with Ultomiris in MG . How should we understand the dynamics between these two products in MG ?
Speaker #25: And also , I wanted to ask if you have any plans ahead for Efalizumab . In other indications , where Ultomiris is now approved ?
Speaker #25: Thank you very much .
Speaker #10: So first of all , thank you very much for the question on the rare disease . So if you remember the trial of Gephyrin was done in patients earlier than the trials we had done historically with Ultomiris .
Speaker #10: You will remember that Alexion was the pioneer company to obtain the first approval with modern medicine in myasthenia gravis . And subsequently we after Soliris , we developed Ultomiris and now we go one step further .
Speaker #10: Earlier , the other important factor of Urelumab is the mode of administration . A subcut weekly provided in either pre-filled syringe or an autoinjector that can be injected in 15 seconds .
Speaker #10: So it's a very patient , convenient patient , easy type of administration and the speed of onset has been demonstrated in the study .
Speaker #10: And also the sustainability is , you know , as as good as it was for ultomiris . So that's what I can say about the Mab .
Speaker #10: Thank you .
Speaker #4: Thank you , Mark . And the last question is from Simon Baker , Redburn , over to you , Simon .
Speaker #26: Thank you . Pascal , just changing the subject slightly . So I think we don't ask many questions on but one for Susan .
Speaker #26: Could you give us an update on your confidence in Sony Vedotin as we come up to the gastric phase three data in H1 26 and also some thoughts on the the broader scope of claudin 18 beyond gastric .
Speaker #26: Thanks so much .
Speaker #7: Thanks for the question . So Sony Vedotin is a 18.2 ADC with an MMA tubulin based payload . And we've seen you know , encouraging response rate data in late line patient populations .
Speaker #7: You know , we are investigating this , you know , versus , you know , current standard of care . But we're also looking within the .
Speaker #7: You know , potential to take it into earlier line settings , including in in combinations . And you'll have seen of course , that there are exciting opportunities for MMA based ADCs in combination with with I therapy .
Speaker #7: So I think that represents a significant opportunity for EV . Claudin 18.2 is expressed in a high proportion of gastric cancer . More than 50% of patients .
Speaker #7: So it's a much bigger opportunity than the Her2 high group . If you want to compare with what we've seen with in in Her2 .
Speaker #7: And I think it's also expressed in pancreatic cancer . And we're , you know , we are looking at the data in pancreatic cancer as well .
Speaker #7: I mean , of course , you know , there the bar is is is high . So what we've done is go forward with the gastric cancer opportunity continue to explore the opportunity for this .
Speaker #7: And also a Topo based ADC with Claudin 18.2 targeting . Also in pancreatic cancer . Just to see which payload works best there .
Speaker #7: Thanks .
Speaker #4: Great . Thank you Suzanne . So in closing , maybe a few words back to Louisa's question . I realized I didn't totally answer Louisa's question .
Speaker #4: You know , as the pipeline develops , you can see we'll have a lot of specialty care products moving forward . And of course , those tend to drive higher profitability .
Speaker #4: As we know . But we also have products that will address conditions like weight loss , metabolic conditions , metabolic disease and those .
Speaker #4: Of course , require more investments . So I think overall , you can suddenly assume improvement of profitability from a commercial viewpoint . The R&D we want to continue spending at the in the low 20s , as we've done in the past .
Speaker #4: But as I said before , we will not commit to any , you know , any direction of direction of travel of of our profitability because we need to see how the pipeline develops .
Speaker #4: And that's what we've said in the past . And quite frankly , we've been good and lucky . We've had a very high success rate , and I hope it continues .
Speaker #4: And if it does , then we have to support all these products . So with this , thank you so much for all your great questions and your interest .