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Major pharmaceutical firms, including MSD and AstraZeneca, have announced significant cuts to UK investments, citing poor government support, undervaluation of medicines, and an uncompetitive environment. These decisions threaten the UK’s ambitions to be a global life sciences hub, with job losses and stalled projects. The government promises to act, but industry concerns persist.
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On October 10, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a deal with AstraZeneca to lower drug prices for Medicaid patients by matching the lowest prices in developed countries. The agreement includes AstraZeneca's commitment to invest $50 billion in U.S. manufacturing by 2030 and participation in the upcoming TrumpRx website, which will sell discounted drugs directly to consumers starting in early 2026.
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US technology companies, including OpenAI, Nvidia, and CoreWeave, plan to announce billions of dollars in UK investments during President Trump's visit. The focus is on expanding AI infrastructure and data centres amid regulatory pressures and government initiatives to support AI growth zones.
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Major pharmaceutical firms have paused or canceled over £2bn in UK investments this year amid concerns over drug pricing policies, US pressure for price parity, and a deteriorating investment climate. Industry warnings highlight risks to future drug development and supply chains.
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The US has announced new tariffs on heavy trucks, steel, aluminum, and various finished goods, citing national security. The move affects European and Mexican industries, with concerns over supply chains and trade relations. The tariffs take effect from October 1, 2025, amid ongoing global trade tensions.
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US stocks rallied Monday after President Trump issued conciliatory comments about China, reversing recent trade war threats. The market responded positively to signals of de-escalation, amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and economic uncertainties. The story highlights the volatile nature of markets driven by political rhetoric and economic policy shifts today, Wed, 15 Oct 2025.
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Global markets showed mixed reactions after US President Trump’s conciliatory comments on China, following a weekend of heightened trade tensions. US stocks recovered from Friday’s sharp losses, gold hit new highs, and European markets edged higher amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and economic data delays.
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Stock market returns for newly listed companies have fallen sharply this year, with median gains dropping from over 20% to under 3%. Meanwhile, New Jersey Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill faces scrutiny over her stock trading during her time in office, raising questions about insider trading and political ethics.
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Liberia's government announced a significant increase in medicine procurement, with $10 million allocated for 2024-2025. The initiative aims to reduce drug shortages, improve accountability, and strengthen healthcare access nationwide, supported by government leadership and community involvement.
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The UK government faces mounting pressure to support its science and technology sectors. Reports highlight risks of losing investment and talent to the US and other countries, with calls for policy reforms to boost innovation, attract global talent, and lead in quantum and AI development.
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As of December 2025, the WHO has issued its first guidelines recommending long-term use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro for obesity treatment, recognizing obesity as a chronic disease. The US government has negotiated significant price cuts for these drugs, expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage to more patients. However, concerns remain about drug accessibility, side effects, and weight regain after stopping treatment.
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The UK and US have agreed to a trade deal that maintains 0% import taxes on medicines for three years, while increasing the NHS's drug spending threshold by 25%. The deal aims to boost investment, protect jobs, and facilitate access to innovative medicines, amid ongoing industry concerns over investment and pricing practices.
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Recent UK-US trade and pharmaceutical agreements aim to boost UK life sciences but face criticism over increased NHS drug costs and potential impacts on patient access. UK officials highlight investment gains, while critics warn of higher mortality and budget pressures.