AstraZeneca Puts Cambridge Expansion On Ice Adding Pressure On Starmer Ahead Of Trump Visit

The U.K.-based AstraZeneca Plc (NASDAQ:AZN) paused a planned 200 million pounds ($271.26 million) investment in its Cambridge research site.

AstraZeneca spokesperson told Reuters the company regularly reviews investment priorities and can confirm that the Cambridge expansion is on hold.

The news deals a setback to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government just days before U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit. Trump has slammed Britain and Europe for underpaying for drugs, while pharma companies warn that the UK’s long-standing undervaluation of medicines and innovation is deterring investment.

Also Read: Merck’s Exit Highlights UK Risks Losing Pharma Investment Amid Rising Costs

After AstraZeneca scrapped its vaccine plant expansion, CEO Pascal Soriot called on the U.K. to create a more business-friendly environment to attract capital.

Earlier this year, AstraZeneca abandoned plans for a vaccine manufacturing facility in ...