The stock witnessed a solid surge since late August 2006. It has surged 28.48% to Rs 776.75 on 18 August from Rs 604.55 on 24 July 2006. Earlier, from a low of Rs 587.35 on 29 June, it rose to Rs 671.95 on 12 July, only to decline to Rs 604.55 by 24 July 2006.

At the current market price of Rs 845.40, Astrazeneca Pharma trades at 39.28 times its Q2 June 2006 annualized EPS of Rs 21.52.

In May, AstraZeneca Pharma approved a 1:5 stock split. The company had split its shares of Rs 10 each, into five shares of Rs 2 each.

In early March, Astrazeneca had acquired Eli Lilly's anti-infective brand - Vancocin CP - for India and Nepal markets. Vancocin CP (Vancomycin) is widely used in treating resistant bugs in the ICUs. The brand has been promoted in the country by Eli Lilly since 1994, and enjoys 54% market share. The acquisition complements Astrazeneca Pharma India (AZPI)’s flagship antibiotic – Meronem.

AZPI is a part of Astrazeneca, the Anglo-Swedish drug major. The parent has a 90% stake in AZPI.

AZPI operates in anaesthetics, respiratory, maternal healthcare and cardio vascular segments. The company has been ramping up its portfolio with the original brands of the parent, especially in the anti-cancer space. It now has five of the parent company's seven oncology brands in India. The increased focus on oncology is in tune with Astrazeneca's global strategy of becoming the leader in cancer treatment by 2008.

AZPI registered a decline in net profit by 2.5% to Rs 13.45 crore (Rs 13.79 crore) for Q2 June 2006. Net sales rose 14.8% to Rs 71.26 crore (Rs 62.09 crore)