£650 Million Investment Boosts UK's Life Sciences Sector Including Vaccines

AstraZeneca today announced plans to invest £650 million in the United Kingdom (UK), helping boost the UK's Life Sciences sector and grow the economy.

On March 6, 2024, AstraZeneca confirmed it intends to invest £450 million to research, develop, and manufacture vaccines in Speke, Liverpool. The facility will be operationally net zero, with power supplied from renewable energy sources.

A further £200 million investment announced to expand AstraZeneca's presence in Cambridge, employing potentially 1,000 people.

In a government press release, AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer Sir Pascal Soriot said, "AstraZeneca's planned investment would enhance the UK's pandemic preparedness and demonstrate our ongoing confidence in UK life sciences."

"We will continue to support the UK in driving innovation and patient access, building on the strong foundations which have been put in place."

AstraZeneca's investment decision is contingent upon mutual agreement with the UK Government and third parties, and successful completion of regulatory processes. Any final commitment is not solely subject to AstraZeneca's discretion.

Currently, AstraZeneca produces vaccines targeting influenza and RSV.