Astrazeneca Pharma did very well as soon as it opened for trade – up over 2% higher at Rs.3577.40, it rose further to Rs.3614.80, just a tad short of its 52-week high of Rs.3619.70. But profit booking at these higher levels has kept the stock just about afloat in the green at Rs.3533.20.

The stock price rose on news that it has received the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approval for its liver cancer drug Tremelimumab Concentrate to be administered intravenously.

This drug, in combination with Durvalumab is based on results from Phase III clinical trial and is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) - the most common type of primary liver cancer.

The trial, conducted across 16 countries, including India, the US and Canada, showed a positive and significant benefit for overall survival for the combination of Tremelimumab and Durvalumab versus Sorafenib.