AstraZeneca's Investment Plans in UK Under Review Amid Incentive Talks

AstraZeneca's £450 million investment plan for vaccine R&D in the UK is under review as discussions on governmental incentives continue. Officials clarified that talks with UK authorities are ongoing, following a third-quarter results briefing where investment was suggested to be pending.

London-listed pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca is reassessing its plan to inject £450 million into vaccine research and development in the UK while negotiating government incentives. The investment, initially announced in March, remains under discussion as the company seeks favorable terms.

AstraZeneca's Chief Financial Officer Aradhana Sarin discussed the ongoing negotiations during a media briefing following the release of the company's third-quarter financial results. Inquiries regarding the status of the investment revealed that it is currently contingent on the progress of these discussions.

Despite initial indications that the investment might be on hold, an AstraZeneca spokesperson told Reuters that the discussions with the UK government are active and should not be interpreted as suspended. The company's review of potential investment incentives continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)