AstraZeneca Pauses £200m Cambridge Expansion Amid UK Pharma Setbacks

AstraZeneca has halted its £200m expansion in Cambridge, putting its full £650m UK investment plan on hold.
The project, expected to create 1,000 jobs, joins a scrapped £450m vaccine facility in Merseyside.
An AstraZeneca spokesperson confirmed the pause, citing ongoing reassessment of investment needs.
Meanwhile, the company pledged $50bn in US investments by 2030, funding new facilities and lab expansions across several states.
The announcement follows a challenging week for UK pharma, with Merck canceling a £1bn London research centre and laying off staff.
Sir John Bell warned that other major pharmaceutical companies may halt further investment in the UK.
Sanofi called for a clear Treasury plan, saying Britain is no longer competitive for drug development or sales.
Eli Lilly also paused its £279m London gateway lab project, deepening concerns for the sector.
Industry groups urge NHS pricing reforms, seeking a reduced clawback rate closer to European levels.