AstraZeneca Pauses £200m Cambridge Expansion, Stalling UK Investments

AstraZeneca has paused its £200m expansion in Cambridge, halting its entire £650m UK investment plan announced in March 2024.
The Cambridge project was expected to create 1,000 jobs, following the earlier cancellation of a £450m Merseyside vaccine facility.
A spokesperson said the company constantly reassesses investment needs and confirmed the expansion is paused without further comment.
In contrast, AstraZeneca plans $50bn in US investments by 2030, funding facilities in Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, California, Indiana, and Texas.
Merck also scrapped a £1bn London research centre, laying off 125 scientists, while Eli Lilly put its £279m London lab on hold.
Sir John Bell warned major pharmaceutical companies are halting UK investment due to an unattractive business environment.
Sanofi called for a clear government plan to make the UK competitive for life sciences investments.
The sector is pressing the NHS to lower the clawback rate from nearly 23% to single digits, aligning with European standards.
Industry leaders stress urgent action is needed to support UK life sciences and sustain pharmaceutical research and development.