Sanofi Shifts Focus from UK to US Amid ‘Terrible’ Market Conditions

Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, is actively shifting its focus away from the UK and towards the US, a move exemplified by its closure of a Cambridge laboratory and the transfer of its work to Boston. This decision comes as the company’s UK chief publicly decries the “terrible” market conditions in Britain.
The contrast between the two markets is stark. The UK is described as an “expensive place to operate” with poor returns, driven by low NHS spending and restrictive pricing. The US, while also expensive, offers a far more lucrative market for new medicines, making it a more attractive location for investment in development and research.
Sanofi’s actions speak volumes. The company has not only moved existing research out of the UK but has also halved its new clinical trials in the country and put any future expansion plans on hold. This represents a significant redirection of resources away from Britain.
This strategic shift is a warning sign for the UK government. To compete with hubs like Boston, it must create a similarly supportive commercial ecosystem. The industry is demanding a plan to make the UK more competitive, or it will continue to lose out on investment, jobs, and innovation to its international rivals.