In an interview with China Daily, Sharon Barr, executive vice-president of biopharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, said the company's presence in Shanghai is absolutely critical to achieving its bold ambition to be a pioneer in science and to create transformative new medicines for patients. She said that China has its vibrant academic collaborative network and the rich biotech ecosystem. The company will continue to grow both its pipeline and investments in Shanghai and across China, and intends to deliver at least 100 new medicines or indications in China over the next five years.