New launches in key categories to trigger AstraZeneca Pharma's growth

Higher share of patented products, scope for margin improvement and chronic portfolio are key positives

AstraZeneca Pharma India has been the best-performing multinational (MNC) pharma stock with gains of 130 per cent over the past year. While the late-stage Covid-19 vaccine being developed by its parent has caught investors’ fancy, it is unlikely to benefit the listed Indian subsidiary. 

The growth trigger for the company is its presence in therapeutic categories, such as the diabetes, respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncology segments. These segments are not only large in revenue terms but also are growing at a faster rate than the overall pharma market. For example, diabetes medication, which account for 38 per cent of the company’s revenues,