GSK Invests $30 Billion in US Amid Global Shift in Pharmaceutical Hubs

The boss of the vaccines and medicines giant GSK, Dame Emma Walmsley, has announced plans to invest $30 billion in the US by the end of this decade. This move comes as other major drug makers have pulled UK projects worth billions after years of frustration over NHS drug budgets and pressure from President Donald Trump to set up production in the states. According to Dame Emma, the US is "still the leading market in the world in terms of the launches of new drugs and vaccines," where GSK makes more than half its turnover. She emphasized that the company will not "shy away" from its US investment plans despite a new deal which will see the NHS pay more as part of a zero tariffs deal on shipping UK pharmaceuticals to America. GSK's decision to invest heavily in the US has been influenced by the country's favorable business environment, with Dame Emma describing it as "the best market in the world to do business." This assessment is shared by other international companies, which have also been drawn to the US market's potential for growth and innovation. The UK has long been a hub for life sciences, with successive governments stressing its status as a superpower in the sector. However, the country's pharmaceutical industry has faced challenges in recent years, including frustration over NHS drug budgets and pressure from international competitors. In contrast, the US has a well-established reputation for innovation and a strong regulatory framework, making it an attractive destination for companies like GSK. Industry experts have welcomed GSK's decision to invest in the US, citing the country's highly developed healthcare system and strong demand for pharmaceuticals. "The US is a key market for GSK, and this investment will help the company to continue to grow and innovate in the sector," said one analyst. As GSK's investment plans come to fruition, the company is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the US and drive economic growth in the region. The move is also likely to have implications for the UK's pharmaceutical industry, with some companies potentially following GSK's lead and investing in the US market. In a statement, Dame Emma emphasized the importance of GSK's US investment, saying, "This investment will help us to continue to deliver innovative medicines and vaccines to patients around the world, and to drive growth and innovation in the sector."