AstraZeneca rises on Brilinta
US reviewers gave mixed views on AstraZeneca’s experimental blood thinner Brilinta but the company’s shares rose on investor optimism that an advisory panel will back the potential blockbuster drug. AstraZeneca is counting on Brilinta to help offset the looming loss of patent protection on key drugs such as heartburn treatment Nexium and antipsychotic Seroquel. AstraZeneca shares gained 3.9 per cent on the New York Stock Exchange after the FDA documents were released suggesting the body will green-light the drug.