AstraZeneca paused its $271 million Cambridge expansion, completing a withdrawal from its $884 million UK investment package amid frustrations with government support and pricing policies. Sanofi and Merck followed suit, halting or canceling significant UK R&D projects, citing an unfavorable commercial environment and high rebate demands. This pharma exodus signals growing concern about the UK life sciences sector's competitiveness, as companies shift investment focus elsewhere, notably the US. The moves intensify scrutiny on UK policy efficacy in maintaining R&D leadership.