Scientist Sir John Bell Warns of Pharma “Domino Effect” in UK

Sir John Bell, a prominent scientist and former Oxford professor, has warned that the UK is on the verge of a “domino effect” of pharmaceutical disinvestment. Citing conversations with global CEOs, he cautioned that other major drug companies are set to follow MSD’s lead and stop investing in Britain due to its deteriorating commercial environment.
MSD’s decision to scrap its £1bn London research center was a watershed moment, but it is proving to be the tip of the iceberg. Eli Lilly has since paused a London lab project, and Sanofi has dramatically scaled back its UK research operations, with a senior executive calling the country a “terrible place” for the industry.
This corporate retreat is rooted in long-standing frustrations over UK policy. The nation’s spending on new medicines is low compared to international rivals, pricing rules are outdated, and a high “clawback” rate eats into revenues. This combination has made the UK an outlier among developed nations.
Sir John’s warning adds a respected scientific voice to the industry’s chorus of concern. It suggests that unless the government acts quickly to produce a “proper plan” for the sector, the current trickle of departing investment could soon become a flood, jeopardizing thousands of jobs and the UK’s scientific future.