Kazakhstan is strengthening its ties with the global pharmaceutical and scientific community. The AstraZeneca Discovery Centre (DISC) in Cambridge, one of the company’s key global research hubs, hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan led by Bauyrzhan Zhussipov, Chairman of the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control, DKNews.kz reports.
The visit went beyond a formal exchange. Discussions focused on healthcare development priorities, the localization of innovation in Kazakhstan, and practical steps to expand cooperation in science, digital healthcare, and the long-term resilience of the national healthcare system.
What the delegation saw in Cambridge
DISC is where AstraZeneca’s medicines begin their journey. New molecules move from early laboratory research to clinical trials and, ultimately, to patients around the world.
During the visit, the Kazakh delegation was introduced to AstraZeneca’s global strategic priorities, its research and development portfolio, and plans to localize projects and technologies in Kazakhstan. Particular attention was given to the potential of digital platforms, artificial intelligence–driven diagnostics, data analytics, and open partnerships aimed at accelerating patient access to innovative therapies and improving clinical decision-making.
Science, data, and partnerships in one ecosystem
The AstraZeneca team demonstrated how DISC operates as an integrated innovation ecosystem. New molecules are developed through early-stage laboratory research, joint projects with academic partners, and large-scale clinical trials conducted across international research centers before being brought to market.
The delegation was also briefed on AstraZeneca’s global investment strategy and the principles of its open innovation model, which brings together science, digital technologies, and cross-sector collaboration.
Priority therapeutic areas
Both sides highlighted the strong potential for joint initiatives in key therapeutic areas, including oncology, respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions.
Discussions also covered continued cooperation in digital health and data-driven projects, expanding the participation of Kazakh medical centers in international clinical trials, opportunities for technology transfer in line with international quality standards, and strengthening the competencies of healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities.
“Accelerating patient access is essential”
Bauyrzhan Zhussipov emphasized that Kazakhstan is focused on balancing innovation with safety and quality.
“For us, it is important to accelerate patient access to innovative medicines and digital solutions while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. The visit to DISC showed how the integration of science, data, and partnerships enables faster implementation of effective practices. We see significant potential for joint projects with AstraZeneca in Kazakhstan – from clinical research to the development of local manufacturing and workforce training.”
“Kazakhstan is ready for patient-centered innovation”
Maria Shipuleva, General Director of AstraZeneca Kazakhstan, highlighted the country’s readiness to adopt advanced healthcare solutions.
“Kazakhstan is a fast-growing market with strong innovative potential and a clear readiness to implement patient-centered solutions. Our priority is to combine AstraZeneca’s global expertise with local capabilities – expanding clinical research, supporting digital initiatives based on real-world data, and developing sustainable models for access to modern therapies. This approach will allow us to deliver benefits to patients more quickly and strengthen the country’s healthcare ecosystem.”
Why this visit matters
For Kazakhstan, such engagements are not merely symbolic. They reflect a strategic effort to integrate the country more deeply into global research and clinical networks, attract investment, and localize advanced medical technologies.
For patients, this means earlier access to innovative treatments and digital healthcare tools. For physicians, it brings new data-driven approaches to diagnosis and treatment. And for the healthcare system as a whole, it represents a step toward greater resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.
In this sense, the visit to AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre illustrates how collaboration between science, technology, and international partnership can translate into real improvements in healthcare outcomes.
