AstraZeneca plc (ADR): 1 Struggling Big Pharma Hoping to Hit the Acquisitions Jackpot

AstraZeneca's in a serious pickle. The company's facing the danger of major patent expirations in the near future, with the loss of protection on blockbuster drug Nexium coming in May. Nexium sold more than $2.2 billion in the U.S. alone in 2012, and with future patent losses looming in the near future -- none bigger than that of fellow blockbuster Crestor, which made more than $3 billion in U.S. revenue in 2012 -- AstraZeneca's scrambling to secure new sources of sales before big hits arrive.

One tried-and-true way to add potential quickly is through acquisitions, and this is one area that AstraZeneca's not shying away from. The company's reportedly one of a few firms interested in bidding for South Korean firm Celltrion, a maker of biosimilars. However, AstraZeneca's not the only big name competing for this buy: Both generics king Teva Pharmaceuticals and big pharma competitor Roche are also in the hunt for Celltrion.

Is this the big buy AstraZeneca investors have been looking for? Find out in the video below, where Motley Fool contributor Dan Carroll takes you through what you need to know about AstraZeneca's interest in Celltrion -- and whether or not it's the right company to address the firm's financial uncertainty.

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The article AstraZeneca plc (ADR): 1 Struggling Big Pharma Hoping to Hit the Acquisitions Jackpot originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Dan Carroll has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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