Sales in Europe increased by 67% (51% at CER) to $372m in the half. The performance reflected SGLT2 inhibitor class growth, the beneficial addition of CV outcomes trial data to the label, and the HFrEF regulatory approval in November 2020. In Japan, sales to collaborator Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, which records in-market sales, increased by 75% (71% at CER) to $71m.
Brilinta
Total Revenue, entirely comprising Product Sales, amounted to $749m in the half, representing a decrease of 11% (15% at CER). Emerging Markets sales declined by 38% (40% at CER) to $180m, reflecting the implementation of China’s VBP programme, resulting in a significantly lower market access for the medicine, and a mandatory 30% price cut. In the US, sales increased by 2% to $360m partly reflecting the recent launch of Brilinta as a treatment to reduce the risk of stroke in patients following an acute ischaemic stroke or high-risk transient ischaemic attack. Sales of Brilique in Europe increased by 3% (declined by 7% at CER) to $178m. The overall performance in the half continued to be adversely impacted by fewer elective procedures due to the continuing effects of COVID-19.
Onglyza
Total Revenue, entirely comprising Product Sales, amounted to $200m in the half and represented a decline of 22% (25% at CER). Sales in Emerging Markets increased by 9% (4% at CER) to $108m, partly reflecting the growth of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor class in China. US sales of Onglyza fell by 58% in the half to $44m, while Europe sales increased by 6% (declined by 4% at CER) to $31m, highlighting the shift away from the class.
Bydureon
Total Revenue, entirely comprising Product Sales, amounted to $198m in the half, representing a decline of 9% (10% at CER). US sales decreased by 12% in the half to $162m following the withdrawal of the dual-chamber pen and lower demand for the Bydureon BCise auto-injector device. Sales in Europe, however, increased by 20% (7% at CER) to $29m; the performance reflected the growth of the glucagon-like peptide-1receptor class.
Lokelma
Total Revenue, entirely comprising Product Sales, amounted to $72m in the half, representing an increase of 162% (158% at CER). Sales in the US increased by 127% to $49m, reflecting the growth in the potassium binder class; Lokelma continued to have a leading market share of prescriptions in new patients.
Sales in Japan increased to $15m in the half (H1 2020: $3m) despite Ryotanki, a regulation that restricts prescriptions to two weeks’ supply in the first year of launch; the restriction, however, lifted in June 2021 and no longer applies. During the period, expansion in Europe continued with several reimbursement decisions secured, including the Netherlands and Belgium; sales amounted to $5m (H1 2020: $2m).
Roxadustat
Total Revenue in China, predominantly comprising Product Sales, amounted to $92m in the half. From January 2021, AstraZeneca started recognising the overwhelming majority of China revenue as Product Sales following an amendment in July 2020 to the existing licence agreement with FibroGen, Inc. (FibroGen).
Crestor
Total Revenue, primarily comprising Product Sales, amounted to $540m in the half and represented a decline of 7% (11% at CER).
In Emerging Markets, sales increased by 1% (declined by 4% at CER) to $372m; the performance continued to be adversely impacted by the ongoing effects of China’s VBP programme. US sales declined by 10% to $41m, whereas in Europe, sales decreased by 50% (54% at CER) in the half to $32m following the February 2021 divestment of European rights in more than 30 countries to Grünenthal GmbH (Grünenthal). In Japan, where AstraZeneca collaborates with Shionogi Co., Ltd, sales declined by 8% (10% at CER) to $74m.
BioPharmaceuticals: Respiratory & Immunology
Total Revenue, which included Ongoing Collaboration Revenue of $9m from Duaklir, Eklira and other medicines, increased by 11% in the half (6% at CER) to $2,970m and represented 19% of Total Revenue (H1 2020: 21%). Due to the adverse impact of COVID-19 on Pulmicort sales in the first half of 2020, the year-on-year comparison was favourably impacted.