Independent Analyst Comment: Pfizer and AstraZeneca Deal

With regard to Pfizer’s potential takeover of AstraZeneca, Ali Al-Bazergan, analyst at Datamonitor Healthcare said:

"There are a numerous motivations behind Pfizer courting — primarily, it would add AstraZeneca’s much coveted early-stage drugs in immuno-oncology, with many provided breakthrough status and development pushed into Phase III. It also allows Pfizer to explore an outlet for repatriating its cash-pile overseas, tap into potential tax, capital and operational  synergies, and lastly grooms an infrastructure to extract even more value in potential streamlining divestments.

"The deal sparks debate about the UK’s capability to remain an influential player in the life sciences industry, primarily whether it can continue to maintain competitiveness, draw investment, and attract the best talent. AstraZeneca’s strength lies in its research on immuno-oncology yet the deal will inevitably see R&D synergies explored [in mind of Pfizer’s UK closures], threatening AstraZeneca’s research operations, and plans to open its new site in Cambridge."