AstraZeneca Inaugurates New Office in Casablanca.. Celebrating 25 Years of Groundbreaking Innovation in Healthcare
Casablanca, Morocco – September 2024 –
AstraZeneca, a global leader in pharmaceuticals, proudly announces the inauguration of its new office in Casablanca, marking the company’s 25th anniversary. The inauguration, held on September 19th, took place at AstraZeneca’s new office in Casablanca Finance City (CFC) followed by a formal reception at Le Casablanca Hotel. The celebration highlighted AstraZeneca’s achievements over the past 25 years and showcased the company’s future ambitions in Morocco and across the North Africa and Near East (NEMAG) region.
Since the merger of Astra AB and Zeneca Group PLC in 1999, AstraZeneca has continuously pushed the boundaries of science, delivering life-changing medicines to millions of patients worldwide. With a presence in over 100 countries and employing more than 83,500 people, AstraZeneca remains at the forefront of medical innovation.
Reflecting on AstraZeneca’s journey, Rami Scandar, Country President for the Near East and Maghreb region, stated: “This new office represents AstraZeneca’s commitment to investing in the Moroccan market. Over the past 25 years, we have achieved significant milestones in healthcare, and we look forward to deepening our partnerships to improve patient outcomes.”
In line with its commitment to improving healthcare in Africa, AstraZeneca has undertaken several initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer care across the continent. The company recently launched the ‘Cancer Care Africa’ program in collaboration with Lalla Salma the leading Cancer Foundation in Morocco, an initiative that aims to revolutionize the way cancer is diagnosed and treated, with a focus on improving access to care for 35,000 patients in Morocco alone.
AstraZeneca’s efforts in Morocco also include strategic partnerships with leading local institutions. A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Science and Health focuses on enhancing early diagnosis of lung cancer through AI technology. Furthermore, an MOU with Akdital Group aims to collaborate to establish Centers of Excellence, improving patients’ pathways, access to personalized healthcare and strengthening medical capacities, while utilizing artificial intelligence and the most developed digital capabilities and innovation.
Highlighting AstraZeneca’s focus on oncology, Ti Hwei How, International Oncology Vice-President, AstraZeneca emphasized: “Our ambition is to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. With one of the industry’s most diverse portfolios and pipelines, including antibody drug conjugates, immune engagers, and cell therapy, we aim to bring potential for cure to more patients. We prioritize transforming cancer care, particularly in low-and-middle income countries, by improving access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment through resource-stratified use of innovative technologies. We are especially excited about our progress in Morocco through the Cancer Care Africa program.”
The new “Green” office in Casablanca underscores AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to sustainability in Morocco, emphasizing environmental protection, patient care, and support for local health systems. Through initiatives such as the Digital Pathology Project, Qure AI, and various collaborations, AstraZeneca showcases its dedication to these objectives. Additionally, last year, AstraZeneca launched the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR) in Morocco to identify strengths and gaps within the health ecosystem, thereby enhancing healthcare services for Moroccan patients. These efforts are in line with the Moroccan government’s health vision and ambitions and are part of AstraZeneca’s broader mission to improve healthcare access and innovation across Africa. This initiative drives forward the company’s goal to revolutionize cancer care and empower healthcare professionals.
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About AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, Respiratory, and Immunology. Operating in over 100 countries, AstraZeneca’s medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.
AstraZeneca has a long-standing history of innovation, investing over $11 billion annually in R&D to remain at the forefront of medical breakthroughs. The company is dedicated to addressing the most pressing global health challenges and improving lives through the power of science.
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