London, Jan 19, 2026, 19:29 (GMT) — Market closed.
- AstraZeneca shares edged lower in London amid a broader risk-off mood.
- Trump’s new tariff threat against Britain and several European countries shook markets as investors braced for a response.
- Company news includes an EU approval for Enhertu and a buyout of cell-therapy rights in China.
AstraZeneca PLC shares closed Monday down 1.15%, falling to 13,890 pence (£138.90) following a late selloff that dragged the price near the session low. The stock swung between 13,890 and 14,186 pence during the day. 1
London shares slipped after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of fresh tariffs on Britain and seven other European countries. The FTSE 100 ended 0.4% lower as Trump said a 10% tariff would start Feb. 1, rising to 25% by June 1 if the U.S. isn’t allowed to buy Greenland. 2
Some investors seemed unconcerned about the tariffs hitting exactly as planned but still dialed back risk before the close. “We doubt that (the tariffs) will be implemented as advertised,” said Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics. Reuters noted that the thin trading during the U.S. holiday could be making market moves look bigger than they are. 3
AstraZeneca’s oncology division grabbed attention after partner Daiichi Sankyo revealed Europe’s medicines regulator has validated a Type II variation application for Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) combined with pertuzumab. The combo targets unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer as a first-line treatment. “This validation in the EU is an important step,” said Daiichi Sankyo R&D chief Ken Takeshita. In EU regulatory terms, validation means the filing is accepted and moves on to scientific review. 4
AstraZeneca is boosting its stake in an early-stage cell therapy project. AbelZeta announced that AstraZeneca will buy its remaining 50% share in the China development and commercialization rights for C-CAR031. The move gives AstraZeneca full global control and could top $630 million when including milestones. AbelZeta CEO Tony Liu said, “This transaction reflects our commitment … and provides the opportunity to maximize C-CAR031’s global reach.” 5
Neither headline could overcome the broader macroeconomic drag. AstraZeneca, typically a defensive stalwart, fell with the wider market on tariff concerns. The whole tape stumbled, pulling the stock down in its wake.
The risk for bulls is clear: should tariff threats become reality, sentiment might suffer a prolonged setback, including in healthcare stocks. Meanwhile, regulators could still block label expansions, and CAR-T programs aimed at solid tumors remain costly and unpredictable.
Tuesday’s session will be closely watched for any hint of retaliation or moves toward fresh negotiations from European leaders. Remarks from Davos might add a twist to the trade story. Sterling’s swings will also be in focus, thanks to their effect on UK-listed multinationals.
AstraZeneca is preparing for its upcoming major milestone: the Q4 2025 earnings release and conference call scheduled for Feb. 10. Investors expect fresh guidance and updates on the progress of its late-stage pipeline. 6
