Ruud Dobber, Ph.D., is Executive Vice President and President of AstraZeneca’s BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, overseeing the therapeutic areas of Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism; Respiratory & Immunology; and Vaccines & Immune Therapies.
AstraZeneca’s name became most known when COVID-19 hit globally, but AstraZeneca is a global innovative pharmaceutical company with an ambitious vision, much more beyond vaccines. What specific strategies and activities does the company plan to implement to achieve these business goals by 2030?
At AstraZeneca, we have a bold ambition to launch 20 new medicines across our oncology, biopharmaceuticals and rare disease portfolio and drive significant revenue growth to reach $80 billion by 2030. To achieve this, we are investing in disruptive innovation, new technologies and platforms that will shape the future of medicine and transform the lives of patients. In addition, by 2026 the company will be carbon zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, will halve its Scope 3 emissions by 2030, and is on the way to a science-based net zero by 2045.
What are the current global challenges you see in delivering new innovative drugs to market over the coming years?
Ensuring that all patients, regardless of their socio-economic status, race, or geographic location, have timely access to new therapies is a critical priority. Building resilient healthcare systems and funding medical innovation are integral components of health, social and economic wellbeing. We must move from ‘sick care’ to true ‘health care’ with healthcare systems putting greater emphasis on earlier diagnosis, intervention and treatment:
Staying at the cutting edge of innovation demands a commitment to investment and the ongoing learning and integration of new technologies. Embracing digital and data-driven technologies is central to our strategy. We are leveraging AI, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance our research and development processes and improve the efficiency of our operations. Building resilient and flexible supply chains is also essential to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of medicines, especially during global crises like COVID-19.
How would you describe AstraZeneca’s corporate culture that is able to support such growth?
I’ve been with the company for close to three decades and I’m continually inspired by our deeply rooted commitment to patients, scientific excellence, and innovation. We believe in the power of diversity, entrepreneurship, and teamwork.
You started your career as a scientist in the field of immunology and ageing. How do these experiences support you in your current role in a senior management position?
Having a strong foundation in science supports my engagement with our research teams and in making informed decisions. Working at the forefront of immunology and ageing research instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of innovation.
The scientific process involves navigating uncertainty and setbacks. These experiences have helped me develop resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential in managing the dynamic and rapidly changing landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.
The ageing population is causing high burden to healthcare systems globally, the Czech Republic is no exception from that. Seeing global examples, which countries are best prepared to tackle this already pressing issue, and how do they do better than the others?
All countries around the world are facing the escalating challenge of ageing populations. The fact that the vast majority of those over the age 60 will have more than one chronic disease poses a significant threat to health systems and economies everywhere. Governments that proactively address earlier screening and diagnosis, the adoption of clinical guidelines at the practice level, and the advancement of specialist care pathways will be the most successful in tackling this challenge.
You visited Prague recently, what brought you there?
My visit was focused on engaging with our local teams and understanding how we can best serve patients in the region. I was so impressed to see how the country has taken significant steps to address the healthcare challenges in areas like cancer, rare and cardiovascular diseases.
The new National Cardiovascular Plan 2025-2035 exemplifies the country’s commitment to improving cardiovascular care and outcomes. Among cardiovascular diseases – a leading cause of mortality accounting for 1.6 million annual deaths in the EU – we are seeing too many deaths and hospitalisations caused by heart failure. The highest prevalence rates of heart failure in Europe were observed in Eastern European countries and I believe it is critical to take action to reduce the impact on health systems and society. This national effort aligns closely with the recent decision made by the EU, under the Hungarian EU Council Presidency, to develop the European Cardiovascular Health Plan.
This coordinated approach not only strengthens the countries’ healthcare systems, but also contributes to a unified European response to the challenges posed by cardiovascular diseases, ensuring better health and quality of life for EU citizens.
Thank you for the interview.
