Industry Giant Pharma Companies Reconsider UK Investments amid Policy Concerns

AstraZeneca announced the suspension of a $271 million expansion at its Cambridge research site, joining Merck and Lilly in delaying or halting investments in the U.K. pharmaceutical sector. These strategic moves spotlight growing apprehension about the U.K.’s life sciences policies and uncertain regulatory environment. Merck is ramping up investments in the U.S., citing the U.K. as a less favorable climate for R&D growth. Industry leaders stress the need for stable policies to retain and attract biotech innovation.