Astrazeneca Shares Plunge 0.8% as Regulatory Scrutiny and R&D Delays Push Daily Turnover to 436th Rank

Astrazeneca (AZN) closed 0.80% lower on Sept. 24, with trading volume declining 23.78% to $230 million, ranking 436th among listed stocks by daily turnover. The pharmaceutical giant’s shares faced downward pressure amid mixed signals from its oncology pipeline and regulatory developments.

Recent updates highlighted regulatory scrutiny over its experimental lung cancer drug, which remains under evaluation by key health authorities. While the company reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the therapy, analysts noted delays in trial data could extend timelines for market approval. Meanwhile, a partnership update with a biotech firm on rare disease treatments sparked cautious optimism but failed to offset broader sector headwinds.

Investors also digested a revised guidance framework for its 2025 R&D budget, which prioritizes cost discipline amid inflationary pressures. The adjustment, though aligned with industry trends, raised questions about potential impacts on long-term innovation momentum. Short-term market sentiment remained fragile as macroeconomic uncertainties weighed on healthcare sector positioning.

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