25 Years of Clinical Trials by AstraZeneca in Bulgaria

AstraZeneca Bulgaria, a long-standing member of the Digital Health and Innovation Cluster Bulgaria, marks 25 years of conducting clinical trials in the country - a key milestone in the development of Bulgaria’s scientific and healthcare ecosystem.

The company has been present on the Bulgarian market for 50 years, and in 2000 established the first Clinical Trials Department in Bulgaria - an initiative that positioned the country among the 43 nations worldwide where AstraZeneca carries out such research activities.

This strategic step laid the foundation for the sustainable development of clinical studies in Bulgaria, providing patients with access to innovative therapies and introducing international standards for quality and safety in medical practice.

Bulgaria as a Trusted Partner in AstraZeneca’s Research Network

Over the past 25 years, Bulgaria has established itself as a leading destination for clinical research, thanks to the expertise and professionalism of local medical teams.

To date, 143 clinical trials have been conducted, involving more than 460 researchers and over 260 medical centers, giving more than 14,500 patients access to some of the most advanced therapies in the world.

In the past five years alone, 37 new studies have been launched, allowing more than 2,000 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers to benefit from innovative medical solutions available globally.

To date, AstraZeneca’s investment in this field exceeds BGN 183 million, reaffirming the company’s role as a leader in clinical research and medical innovation.

Clinical Trials - A Driver of Innovation and Digital Transformation

The clinical research activities conducted by AstraZeneca not only provide patients with access to new therapies but also offer valuable expertise to Bulgarian physicians and researchers participating in international scientific programs.

As a result, Bulgaria today has a well-developed research infrastructure and is recognized as a reliable partner in the global scientific ecosystem.

AstraZeneca is among the first companies to implement digital tools and analytical models in the management of clinical trials, enabling more precise patient selection, faster data analysis, and more efficient collaboration between medical centers.

This demonstrates how innovation and technology can accelerate scientific progress and bring the highest standards of modern medicine closer to patients.