A View From The Top: Q&A With AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan

By Dan Schell, Chief Editor, Clinical Leader

What trends are you seeing in the pharma marketplace as a result of the economic crisis? How is this impacting the debate on health reform in the United States?
The pharmaceutical industry is not as exposed to the boom and bust cycles that affect other sectors. So, while we are not immune to economic downturn, we are likely to be more resistant to its effects than some. In this slowing economy, many limited-income Americans are not purchasing the medicines their doctors prescribe or are canceling their medical appointments. AZ&Me Prescription Savings programs are designed to help patients access AstraZeneca (AZ) medicines so that they can stay healthy. In 2008, AstraZeneca helped more than 440,000 people save more than $612M on their medicines through our prescription savings programs.

What are the implications of the economic crisis on healthcare legislation? While the government recovery package and bailouts that have been dominating the headlines certainly have an impact on the funds that can be utilized for health reform measures, many within the federal government continue to express a strong desire to institute health reform.