Big Pharma Pauses Nearly £2B in UK Investments Amid Market Uncertainty

In 2025, the UK pharmaceutical sector faces a significant challenge: major companies have paused or canceled nearly £2 billion in planned investments. This includes AstraZeneca halting a £200 million expansion in Cambridge, and Merck & Co. scrapping a £1 billion research hub in London. These decisions are part of a broader trend where pharmaceutical giants are reconsidering their commitments to the UK.