Table of Contents
AstraZeneca shares hit a new high yesterday after US regulators fast-tracked approval of its blockbuster cancer drug, Imfinzi.
The pharmaceutical giant rose 2.1 percent, or 264 pence, to 13.166 pence, raising its valuation to 202 billion pounds.
It came as expected to receive priority review from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of certain patients with small cell lung cancer, which is highly aggressive.
Astrazeneca rose 2.1%, raising its valuation to £202bn. This week, the pharmaceutical giant became the first UK company to be valued at more than £200bn.
Imfinzi blocks a cancerous tumor’s ability to evade and weaken the immune system and stimulates the body’s immune response against cancer, offering an alternative to chemotherapy.
The FDA decision date is expected during the fourth quarter of 2024.
The update was another boost for Astra, which this week became the first UK company to be valued at more than £200bn.
The milestone was described as a “pat on the back” for chief executive Pascal Soriot, 64, who has been hailed for reviving the company’s fortunes.
It has also pioneered new treatments, with Astra providing Covid vaccines and boosting its drug pipeline.
DIY INVESTMENT PLATFORMS
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 7 Easy investment and ready-to-use portfolios](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/02/Britains-pay-rises-forecast-to-slow-for-the-first-time.png.webp)
AJ Bell
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 7 Easy investment and ready-to-use portfolios](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/02/Britains-pay-rises-forecast-to-slow-for-the-first-time.png.webp)
AJ Bell
Easy investment and ready-to-use portfolios
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 9 Free investment ideas and fund trading](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/02/1707733883_749_Britains-pay-rises-forecast-to-slow-for-the-first-time.jpg.webp)
Hargreaves Lansdown
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 9 Free investment ideas and fund trading](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/02/1707733883_749_Britains-pay-rises-forecast-to-slow-for-the-first-time.jpg.webp)
Hargreaves Lansdown
Free investment ideas and fund trading
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 11 Flat rate investing from £4.99 per month](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/02/1707733883_266_Britains-pay-rises-forecast-to-slow-for-the-first-time.png.webp)
interactive investor
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 11 Flat rate investing from £4.99 per month](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/02/1707733883_266_Britains-pay-rises-forecast-to-slow-for-the-first-time.png.webp)
interactive investor
Flat rate investing from £4.99 per month
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 13 Get £200 back in trading commissions](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/07/EasyJet-expects-record-summer-as-peak-season-profits-take-off.png.webp)
Saxo
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 13 Get £200 back in trading commissions](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/cwv-webp-images/2024/07/EasyJet-expects-record-summer-as-peak-season-profits-take-off.png.webp)
Saxo
Get £200 back in trading commissions
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 15 Free treatment and no commissions per account](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AstraZeneca-shares-hit-record-high-as-US-accelerates-marketing-of.png%20)
Trade 212
![AstraZeneca shares hit record high as US accelerates marketing of its blockbuster cancer drug Imfinzi 15 Free treatment and no commissions per account](https://whatsnew2day.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/AstraZeneca-shares-hit-record-high-as-US-accelerates-marketing-of.png%20)
Trade 212
Free treatment and no commissions per account
Affiliate links: If you purchase a product This is Money may earn a commission. These offers are chosen by our editorial team as we believe they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.