Why is AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) One of the Best Pharma Stocks to Invest In?

Group 1: Investment Outlook - AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is considered one of the best pharmaceutical stocks to invest in, with a recent price target increase from JPMorgan to 16,000 GBP from 14,000 GBP while maintaining an Overweight rating [1] - The rating update is part of JPMorgan's adjustments in the European pharmaceutical group as part of its 2026 outlook [1] Group 2: Product Development - AstraZeneca announced that the US FDA accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for baxdrostat, aimed at treating adult patients with hard-to-control hypertension [2] - The expected Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date for baxdrostat is during fiscal Q2 2026, following the use of a Priority Review voucher [2] Group 3: Clinical Data - The NDA for baxdrostat is based on data from the BaxHTN Phase III trial, which was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine [4] - Baxdrostat demonstrated general tolerability with a safety profile consistent with its mechanism of action, showing no unanticipated safety findings and mostly mild adverse effects [4] Group 4: Company Overview - AstraZeneca PLC is a biopharmaceutical company that explores, develops, manufactures, and commercializes prescription medicines, supplying products and services to specialty and primary care physicians [5]