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Exclusive Life Science Feature declare a late-phase setback, disappointing sales results, downgraded S&P; rating, and more patent-loss worries for AZ. But the Innovative Medicines unit, in tune with MedImmune, sounds a more optimistic note. "I see huge opportunities in areas like oncology, with new genetic targets and new ways of stratifying disease in lung, prostate, and breast cancer appearing almost monthly," says Pangalos. "Doing great science and building a pipeline doesn't happen overnight; it's a long journey, and we're on that road. Our pipeline is on the right path, and it will take time to manifest itself in terms of launching molecules into the marketplace and to patients. Having the patience for us to deliver on that vision is important." As short-term milestones, Pangalos foresees AZ moving the following early-stage development programs into Phase 3: • • • Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor in Phase 2 for gBRCAm ovarian cancer, gBRCAm breast cancer, and gastric cancer. Selumetinib, an MEK inhibitor in Phase 2 for solid tumors. Benralizumab, an anti-IL-5R monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 for asthma/COPD. "Moving some of those molecules from an early development to Phase 3 development will give people confidence that the direction we're taking is the right one," he says with real excitement. He mentions AZ's recent partnership deal with Moderna, developer of messenger-RNA-based therapies in Boston, and a collaboration with Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm focused on translational research in his cardiovascular metabolic group, as "indicating the direction we're taking the company is really science, science, science. To me, as an R&D; leader, it doesn't get better than that." Science is not faith. Though it requires belief, it is a belief based on the scientific method and placed on investigative principles that, if followed with minimum outside bias, reliably lead to valid conclusions. But "winning with science" does demand a leap of sorts — not in faith so much as in dedication to a higher purpose. When pharma scientists envision the market, and they do, it must be in terms of how well their work ultimately serves the needs of the key players: patients, physicians, and payers. In due time, whether short or long, the world will see how well AstraZeneca navigates its scientific path to victory. Introducing the SmartRocker Bioreactor System A next generation rocking platform with integrated single-use sensors and intelligent control Toll Free +1 800 598 9515 | Europe +41 81 641 2000 | Asia +65 8322 8128 | Finesse.com TruBio DV is a registered trademark of Finesse Solutions, Inc.DeltaV is a registered trademark of Emerson Process Management. ©Finesse Solutions, Inc. September 2013 LifeScienceLeader.com 35