Astra Zeneca is expected to return to revenue growth for the first time since 2010, thanks to recent approvals for lung cancer, breast cancer and respiratory drugs.
Chief executive Pascal Soriot will make the prediction on Friday when the pharmaceutical giant unveils full-year results.
Revenues are expected to have fallen by about 3% last year. However, analysts expect Soriot, 58, to proclaim that Astra has turned the corner after lagging behind its rivals in bringing new drugs to market.
Astra last week reported encouraging results in a late-stage trial for a three-in-one inhaler for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It will soon submit the findings for its PT010 therapy for regulatory approval in Japan and China — a key growth market.
Astra is understood to be joining a trade delegation accompanying Theresa May on her first visit as prime minister to China this week.
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The FTSE 100 company’s share price has recovered since a setback in the summer when a lung cancer study failed to impress. A series of successes since then have provided a lift.