1039 GMT - AstraZeneca's tozorakimab drug candidate hit the primary objective in two late-stage clinical studies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition for which rival candidates from Roche and Sanofi recently fell short, Bank of America analysts say in a research note. In light of those prior failures, study results from the U.K. drugmaker come as a positive surprise, Bank of America says. AstraZeneca, Roche and Sanofi all targeted the IL-33 protein to treat COPD. While AstraZeneca and Sanofi focused on former smokers, Roche addressed the overall patient population, the analysts say. Sanofi said at the time trial recruitment during the Covid-19 pandemic contributed toward lower rates of worsening symptoms, they add. AstraZeneca shares rise 3.25%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 27, 2026 06:40 ET (10:40 GMT)

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