AstraZeneca (NASDAQ: AZN) stock rose nearly 3% on Friday after announcing a $2 billion investment to expand manufacturing in Maryland. This includes a new plant in Gaithersburg for rare disease drugs and a biologics manufacturing site in Frederick. The projects will use artificial intelligence and automation and are expected to be operational by 2029. The investment is part of a larger $50 billion global initiative. With over $6 billion in cash, AstraZeneca is well-positioned for expansion in the U.S. market. The company was not included in the Motley Fool’s list of 10 best stocks to buy now.

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