“I speak as a healthcare CEO, but also as a nature lover and as a grandfather,” Pascal Soriot, chief executive of Britain’s biggest drugmaker, AstraZeneca, stated during London Climate Week at an event in Guildhall. He emphasized the impact of the climate crisis and pollution on human lives, stating that it costs “7 million to 9 million lives every year” through respiratory diseases, cancers, and other health conditions. Soriot’s awareness of the devastating effects of global heating was heightened by the 2019 bushfires in Australia. This led him to take action by forming a taskforce within the king’s Sustainable Markets Initiative, uniting healthcare leaders and pharmaceutical executives to accelerate the private sector’s efforts in achieving zero carbon emissions.
Soriot is renowned for spearheading the development of the first not-for-profit Covid vaccine, in collaboration with Oxford University, after AstraZeneca teamed up with them in late 2020. Despite challenges, Soriot reflects on the success of their collaborative efforts, stating, “We’ve got a great culture, a great team. It’s probably what I’m most happy with.” Their vaccine has been estimated to have saved 6.3 million lives, surpassing the higher-priced Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
While AstraZeneca faced criticism regarding side effects and production delays, Soriot remains confident in the company’s future. He mentions the potential divestment of AstraZeneca’s vaccines and immune therapies business, which will depend on the success of their ongoing technological developments. These include a Covid antibody treatment and an antibody for microbial infections, addressing the rising issue of drug-resistant infections.
Soriot’s journey to becoming CEO of AstraZeneca began with a background in veterinary medicine, which later led him to combine his interests in biology and business. He joined the pharmaceutical industry in Australia in 1986 and held various senior roles at companies such as Aventis, Genentech, and Roche.
Reflecting on AstraZeneca’s growth under his leadership, Soriot notes that the company has doubled in size in the last five years. He attributes this success to smart investments in cancer treatments and other medicines, as well as increased research spending and a restructuring of the R&D department. AstraZeneca aims to deliver at least 15 new medicines by 2030.
Despite rumors of a spinoff, Soriot does not comment on AstraZeneca’s plans regarding its China business, stating that most of the speculated ideas they explore never materialize. He believes that the pharmaceutical industry is not currently affected by geopolitical tensions but acknowledges the importance of ensuring medicines are never under sanction.
Looking to the future, Soriot expresses excitement about the ever-evolving nature of the industry and the constant advancements in technology and science. He believes that the combination of helping people with innovative medicines and the continuous progress in the field makes it an exciting career path. As for his own future, Soriot states that he can continue in his role for many years to come.