Our support for patients facing cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Following AstraZeneca’s announcement earlier this week about our proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to share some more information about how we are supporting patients facing cancer and healthcare providers in the communities in which we operate.

Working to ensure continuity of care for patients

Continued supply of our oncology medicines to patients and the ongoing progression of our clinical trials around the world is a critical area of focus during this pandemic. Our stringent quality management system continues to ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of all our medicines at all times. In addition, our manufacturing operations have implemented continuity measures so that resources can be repurposed where required, including to manufacturing lines, to maintain our supply chains.

We also recognize that patients facing cancer who routinely visit physician offices to receive infusions or other in-office administered medications may no longer be able to do so. As such, we are working quickly to provide alternatives for these patients, including safe and effective procedures for delivering treatments in patients’ homes.

These are just a few of the ways we are working to support those in need during this global pandemic. On a personal note, I want to acknowledge a few important groups:

• Members of the healthcare community working on the front lines of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The dedication and self-sacrifice you are undertaking to help not only patients impacted by this disease, but also patients with cancer and other urgent care needs, is heroic.
• Our patients who are amongst the most vulnerable in relation to the threat of COVID-19. Our role in the community right now is to continue to help serve and protect cancer patients while working to deliver treatments that have the potential to make a real difference in their lives.
• Our employees who are working hard under very difficult and constantly changing conditions to stay focused on the development and delivery of our therapies to patients.

We will provide additional updates as we have them. In the meantime, please stay safe and follow the guidance of your local governments and health authorities.