Headshot of Nayyar Iqbal, Clinical Vice President, Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases & GI, AstraZeneca

I am a physician (endocrinologist)-scientist with a life-long drive to improve outcomes for people living with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. I have demonstrated successes in both clinical research and drug development and hold a dual role in industry and as Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, where I run a diabetes clinic.

Within AstraZeneca, I lead or co-lead the clinical development strategy for our metabolism, NASH and liver disease therapeutic area, managing large multinational team of scientists and researchers we cover research across the development spectrum. I also chair our Diabetic and Metabolic Diseases Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC).

We bring new treatments to patients and investigate novel modalities that could benefit the patients of tomorrow. We also help maximize the full potential of existing therapies by expanding indications across different interconnected CVRM diseases.

I’m also passionate about the importance of generating and publishing evidence that advances our understanding of CVRM diseases. I have authored more than 100 papers in high-impact scientific journals, held numerous editorial positions and have been a member of executive committees of a range of CV outcomes trials, as well as key driver of several data monitoring committees.

In addition to my clinical and research work, I am proud to have mentored several young people who have gone on to have successful pharmaceutical careers. I value working for an organization that is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists.


Scientists across AstraZeneca are united by the will to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. I’m proud to contribute to our collective efforts in making a difference for people living with chronic diseases.

Nayyar Iqbal Vice President Clinical Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca

Heroes in Chemistry Award

Awarded by American Chemical Society for development of dapagliflozin

President’s Award for SAVOR Study

Excellence in Trial Conduct

Dean’s Award: Teaching Excellence

Excellence in Clinical Teaching, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Headshot of Nayyar Iqbal, Clinical Vice President, Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases & GI, AstraZeneca

CURRENT ROLE

Vice President Clinical Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca

2015-present

Dapagliflozin clinical development at AstraZeneca. Designed and led the saxagliptin-dapagliflozin combination clinical program and interacted with the European regulatory authorities leading to successful approval and launch in the US and EU. Played a key role in expanding dapagliflozin indications from diabetics only to non-diabetics and led the dapagliflozin in type 1 diabetes development team from submission to approval in Europe.

2015-present

Played a key role in EXSCEL trial and was a part of Executive Committee, current Steering Committee member for Health Authority Submissions for exenatide at AstraZeneca.

2015-present

Led the team at AstraZeneca developing a novel peptide medi-0382 and determining its applicability to different patient populations.

  Featured publications

Veeva ID: Z4-60857
Date of preparation: December 2023