- GSK has announced plans to close its main research and development hub in Stevenage and open a new site in Cambridge.
- The company will invest £400 million to support the establishment of the new R&D centre on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
- The new site will be 300,000 square feet and will house more than 1,000 GSK scientists.
- GSK's investment is part of a £1.9 billion cost-cutting programme aimed at accelerating drug development.
- The closure of the Stevenage site is expected to occur in 2029, with staff moving in phases.
- GSK's new Cambridge site will feature state-of-the-art labs and infrastructure focused on areas such as oncology, respiratory, hepatology, vaccines, and HIV.
- Tony Wood, GSK's Chief Scientific Officer, highlighted that Cambridge has one of the world's best life sciences ecosystems.
GSK is set to invest £400 million in a new research and development center in Cambridge, moving its operations from Stevenage. This decision is part of a broader £1.9 billion cost-cutting program aimed at accelerating drug development and enhancing its R&D pipeline.12
The new facility, located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, will span 300,000 square feet and house over 1,000 scientists. GSK plans to close its Stevenage site by 2029, with staff transitioning in phases. The investment reflects GSK's commitment to the UK life sciences sector, with more than £1.5 billion of its annual £6 billion R&D budget allocated to the UK.35
Tony Wood, GSK's Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the significance of Cambridge's life sciences ecosystem, stating, “Cambridge has built one of the world’s best life sciences ecosystems, with leading universities, hospitals and biotech companies.” The new site aims to support research in key areas such as oncology, respiratory, hepatology, vaccines, and HIV.6
Luke Miels, GSK's CEO, noted, “This investment will accelerate our R&D and help us deliver new, competitive products.” The move is seen as a strong vote of confidence in the British economy and the life sciences sector in Cambridge.
“GSK plans to close its Stevenage site by 2029, moving about 1,000 staff to the new facility, which will feature state-of-the-art labs. Chief Scientific Officer Tony Wood emphasized that Cambridge's life sciences ecosystem is among the best globally, enhancing GSK's research capabilities.”
The Guardian
