AstraZeneca reports 38% jump in pre-tax profits to $8.7bn

Firm reports leap in profits amid strong sales of cancer, lung and immunology treatments a week after pulling plug on Merseyside investment

AstraZeneca has reported a jump in annual profits boosted by strong sales of its cancer, lung and immunology treatments, a week after it decided not to go ahead with a planned £450m investment in Merseyside, prompting a series of recriminations with the government.

Britain’s biggest drugmaker, which is also the largest listed company, said revenues rose by 21% to $54.1bn (£43bn) in 2024. Pre-tax profit jumped by 38% to $8.7bn last year on a constant currency basis.

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