AstraZeneca Pauses £200m Cambridge Expansion Amid UK Pharma Setbacks

AstraZeneca has halted its £200m Cambridge research site expansion, putting its entire £650m UK investment plan on hold.
The project was expected to create 1,000 jobs, following the earlier cancellation of a £450m Merseyside vaccine facility.
A spokesperson said the company continually reassesses investment needs and offered no further comment.
Meanwhile, AstraZeneca plans $50bn in US investments by 2030, including new facilities in Virginia and lab expansions in several states.
The pause comes amid wider UK industry setbacks, with Merck scrapping a £1bn London research centre and cutting 125 jobs.
Sir John Bell warned major pharmaceutical companies may halt further UK investment due to growing uncertainty.
Sanofi criticized the UK’s life sciences environment and called for a clear Treasury plan to attract inward investment.
Eli Lilly also placed its £279m London lab project on hold, highlighting broader industry concerns.
Pharma groups urge NHS reforms, including reducing the clawback rate from nearly 23% to align with European standards.