AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) Investigation

The investigation is focused on the propriety of AstraZeneca’s business practices in China, which accounts for approximately 13% of the company’s revenue.

On October 30, 2024, AstraZeneca announced that Leon Wang, Executive Vice President International and AstraZeneca China President, is cooperating with an ongoing investigation by Chinese authorities. At the time, the company did not provide details concerning what the investigation was about. This news drove the price of AstraZeneca shares down about 3% that day.

Then, on November 5, 2024, Yicai reported, in addition to dozens of AstraZeneca China executives having been implicated, that “[s]o far, dozens of AstraZeneca staff have been convicted of fraud, with the main offenders receiving prison sentences of over 10 years[]” and “[a]n insider at a drugmaker noted that AstraZeneca’s high sales targets put extreme pressure on medical reps, which has been a major factor in the firm’s compliance issues.” This news drove the price of AstraZeneca down about 7% that day.

Most recently, on November 12, 2024, AstraZeneca announced that Mr. Wang had been detained and specified that the PRC investigations include allegations of medical insurance fraud, illegal drug importation and personal information breaches.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CASE

What is the AZN investigation about?

The investigation is focused on the propriety of AstraZeneca’s business practices in China, which accounts for approximately 13% of the company’s revenue. We are investigating these matters to protect the interests of investors who may have been harmed by the company's actions

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

I worked at AZN. What should I do?

If you were an employee of AZN, you may have valuable information that could be relevant to the investigation. Hagens Berman is one of the nation’s top whistleblower law firms, and has successfully represented many individuals who come forward with information regarding corporate malfeasance. Under the new SEC Whistleblower program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, contact Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or [email protected].

There are multiple law firms participating, do I need to contact all of them?

No, you do not need to contact all participating law firms. Generally, class-action investigations and lawsuits are consolidated into a single case to streamline the legal process, and attorneys from only a few law firms are selected to serve in a leadership role on the consolidated case. Hagens Berman has a proven track record of being appointed to leadership roles in complex, multidistrict litigation regarding investor fraud and other consumer rights issues, and your claim will be handled by attorneys who have helped secure approximately $325 billion in class-action settlements on behalf of individuals who have suffered due to corporate malfeasance and the wrongdoing of other powerful institutions.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

What is the threshold amount to be eligible? What are “substantial” losses?

The threshold amount and the definition of "substantial" losses may vary depending on a number of factors specific to the case, including the size of the company, market cap, shares outstanding and who holds them and the damages alleged by the fraud. In general, to be eligible to participate in a class-action lawsuit, you must be able to demonstrate that you suffered financial losses as a result of the alleged wrongdoing and that your losses meet the criteria set by the court or law firm. Fill out the form and submit your losses.

CAN I PARTICIPATE?

Am I affected? What do I need to do to participate?

If you were an investor in AZN, you may be affected and eligible to participate in the case. To determine your eligibility and potential involvement, fill out the form and submit your losses.

Can any AZN investor participate?

In most class-action investigations and cases, any investor who meets the eligibility criteria, including purchasing the shares during the relevant period, can participate, regardless of the size of their investment. Fill out the form to find out your rights.

I bought on a non-U.S. Exchange. Can I participate?

No. This investigation only covers shares bought on a U.S. exchange, i.e. NASDAQ or NYSE. Fill out the form to find out your rights.

Am I included if I still hold my shares, or do I need to sell to participate?

Participation is based on purchasing shares during the relevant period, rather than your current holdings. Accordingly, you do not need to sell to participate. Fill out the form to find out your rights.