Big, Bigger, Biggest

Image courtesy of Eyewire ©2001, Graphic: Cathleen Heard The economy may be chasing the bear rather than the bull, but short-term economic downturns are not affecting pharmaceutical firms' expansion--at least, not yet. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that AstraZeneca PLC's profits were up,1 and those who know the industry see the human lifestyle as more of a factor in drug company growth than the economy. "Although you may see peaks and valleys in bioscience growth and development

Written byMyrna Watanabe

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The economy may be chasing the bear rather than the bull, but short-term economic downturns are not affecting pharmaceutical firms' expansion--at least, not yet. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that AstraZeneca PLC's profits were up,¹ and those who know the industry see the human lifestyle as more of a factor in drug company growth than the economy. "Although you may see peaks and valleys in bioscience growth and development over the next few years, our overall mission to develop better products and to promote healthier lifestyles will continue to move us forward," remarks Debra Pasquale, president of CURE of Rocky Hill, Conn., a not-for-profit initiative to stimulate bioscience growth in Connecticut.

Pharmaceutical firms make their commitments for the long term. "Our time frame is seven to 10 years; we have to look beyond the [current] economy," notes Peter Farina, vice president ...

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