AstraZeneca has reported resilient first-half growth, with strong demand for its cancer treatments helping offset weaker sales in other parts of its portfolio as the pharmaceutical giant stepped up investment in future medicines.
The Cambridge-based drugmaker said revenue rose 6% at constant exchange rates to $30.67 billion in the first six months of 2026, supported by double-digit growth in its oncology and rare diseases businesses.
Oncology remained AstraZeneca’s largest division, with revenue climbing 15% to $14.12 billion, accounting for almost half of group sales. Flagship cancer medicines including Tagrisso and Imfinzi continued to perform strongly, particularly in the US market.
Sales in the company’s rare diseases unit also increased 11%, helping offset an 11% decline in revenue from Farxiga, its treatment for kidney disease, heart failure and type 2 diabetes.
Chief executive Pascal Soriot said AstraZeneca was continuing to invest heavily in research and commercial expansion to underpin growth beyond the end of the decade.
Research and development spending rose 5% to $3.7 billion, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its drug pipeline. Since reporting its full-year results, AstraZeneca has secured 30 regulatory approvals across major markets, highlighting continued momentum in bringing new medicines to patients.
The company reiterated guidance for full-year revenue growth of between 5% and 9%.
Analysts said the results demonstrated AstraZeneca’s ability to sustain earnings growth while maintaining significant investment in innovation, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s leading pharmaceutical companies.
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