Thu Sep 11 07:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

The UK life science sector is facing a significant setback as US drugmaker Merck (MSD in Europe) cancels plans for a £1 billion London research center and cuts 125 scientific jobs. This decision is driven by concerns over a lack of investment and undervaluation of medicines by successive UK governments. The move highlights a broader trend of declining investment in UK life sciences research and development compared to global trends, leading to a drop in global rankings. Industry leaders cite high clawback rates on medicines and restrictive patient access as reasons for viewing the UK as increasingly “uninvestable.” The situation threatens the UK’s ambition to become a global science superpower and a leading life sciences economy.

**News Article:**

**UK Life Sciences Sector Dealt Blow as Merck Scraps £1 Billion London Research Center**

London – The UK’s life sciences industry has suffered a major setback with US pharmaceutical giant Merck (MSD) announcing the cancellation of its planned £1 billion research center in London and the layoff of 125 scientists. The move casts a shadow over the government’s ambition to position the UK as a global leader in science and technology by 2030.

The planned UK Discovery Centre, located near King’s Cross, was expected to employ approximately 800 people, including 180 scientists. However, MSD cited a lack of “meaningful progress” in addressing investment gaps in the life sciences sector and the undervaluation of innovative medicines and vaccines by successive UK governments as the reasons behind its decision.

“This is a real blow to the UK’s life sciences ambitions,” said Richard Torbett, chief executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the UK’s declining competitiveness in attracting life sciences investment. A recent report by the ABPI and PwC revealed that investment in UK life sciences research and development has underperformed against global trends since 2018. Foreign life sciences investment in the UK plummeted by 58% between 2017 and 2023, causing the country to drop from second to seventh place in global rankings.

Industry leaders point to high “clawback” rates on medicines, where pharmaceutical companies are required to reimburse a significant portion of their revenue, and restrictive patient access as key deterrents for investment. They argue that the UK is increasingly seen as “uninvestable” compared to other countries actively incentivizing innovation.

While a government spokesperson emphasized the UK’s attractiveness for investment and highlighted ongoing efforts to boost growth through its life sciences sector plan, industry voices warn that without a more competitive environment, the UK risks losing out to other nations in the race for attracting internationally mobile investment.

The situation raises serious questions about the future of the UK’s life sciences sector and its ability to maintain its position as a global hub for innovation.

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