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    Home > Headlines > UK government, pharma industry still far away from life sciences plan agreement
    Headlines

    UK government, pharma industry still far away from life sciences plan agreement

    Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

    Posted on July 2, 2025

    2 min read

    Last updated: January 23, 2026

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    Tags:innovationUK economypharmaceutical marketeconomic growth

    Quick Summary

    The UK government and pharma industry are in a dispute over drug pricing, delaying the life sciences plan. AstraZeneca considers a US stock listing.

    UK Government and Pharma Sector Struggle to Finalize Life Sciences Agreement

    LONDON (Reuters) -The British government and the pharmaceutical industry remain far apart in a dispute over drug pricing that has delayed publication of a long-pending plan for the UK life sciences sector.

    WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

    The review is intended to outline how the UK can cut red tape and boost a sector the government identifies as one of eight strategic areas for driving economic growth.

    The disagreement comes amid simmering frustration in the pharma industry. The Times reported on Tuesday that AstraZeneca, the UK stock market's most valuable company, is considering shifting its stock market listing to the United States.

    KEY QUOTE

    "Talks continue but we're not yet close to a landing zone for a deal," one pharma industry source said. "We're not close" to a deal, a second industry source said.

    CONTEXT

    The "life sciences review" was due to published on Monday. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the delay stemmed from the impasse over drug pricing.

    WHAT'S NEXT

    The first source said a deal could still be reached this summer if the government signals a path towards more fairly valuing medicines. Companies sharply criticise policies like VPAG (Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth), which requires them to return between a quarter and a third of revenues from UK drug revenues to the National Health Service.

    THE RESPONSE

    Talks are ongoing and confidential, said a spokesperson for the government's health ministry, adding that economic growth was the government's top priority.

    (Reporting by Maggie Fick and Alistair Smout in London. Editing by Mark Potter)

    Key Takeaways

    • •UK government and pharma industry in dispute over drug pricing.
    • •The life sciences plan aims to boost economic growth.
    • •AstraZeneca may shift its stock market listing to the US.
    • •VPAG scheme criticized by pharmaceutical companies.
    • •Talks are ongoing but no agreement is close.

    Frequently Asked Questions about UK government, pharma industry still far away from life sciences plan agreement

    1What is the main issue delaying the life sciences plan?

    The main issue delaying the life sciences plan is a dispute over drug pricing between the UK government and the pharmaceutical industry.

    2What is the significance of the life sciences review?

    The life sciences review aims to outline how the UK can reduce red tape and enhance a sector deemed crucial for economic growth.

    3What did AstraZeneca consider due to the ongoing dispute?

    AstraZeneca is reportedly considering shifting its stock listing abroad amid frustrations with the ongoing negotiations over drug pricing.

    4What is the government's top priority according to a spokesperson?

    According to a spokesperson for the government's health ministry, economic growth is the government's top priority.

    5Is there a possibility of reaching a deal soon?

    There is a possibility of reaching a deal this summer if the government indicates a willingness to fairly value medicines.

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