Story perspectives

Sanofi Slashes UK Trials, Cites Drug Development Challenges

9/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Paul Naish, Sanofi's UK head of market access, criticized the UK government for insufficient support in drug development.
He described the UK as an expensive and unfavorable environment for medicine development and sales.
Sanofi cut clinical trials in the UK by 50% and paused major investments pending sector improvements.
NHS spending on medicines is only 9% of total healthcare costs, lower than in Germany, the US, and Italy.
Industry leaders advocate for raising drug pricing thresholds to align with inflation.

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Story summary

Paul Naish, Sanofi's UK head of market access, criticized the UK government for insufficient support in drug development.
He described the UK as an expensive and unfavorable environment for medicine development and sales.
Sanofi cut clinical trials in the UK by 50% and paused major investments pending sector improvements.
NHS spending on medicines is only 9% of total healthcare costs, lower than in Germany, the US, and Italy.
Industry leaders advocate for raising drug pricing thresholds to align with inflation.