Darius Hughes, the UK leader of Moderna, has responded to criticisms labeling the UK as the “worst in Europe” for drug pricing. His comments came during the inauguration of a £150 million vaccine facility in Oxfordshire. This announcement follows decisions by several pharmaceutical companies, including MSD, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly, to withdraw or delay their planned investments in the UK amid ongoing disputes over drug pricing with the government.
Hughes emphasized that Moderna remains committed to its £1 billion partnership with the UK government, focused on research and development over the next decade. He stated, “We’re here to invest,” and highlighted the importance of pandemic preparedness and protecting British patients. The remarks contrasted with those of Eli Lilly’s CEO, Dave Ricks, who criticized the UK’s pricing structure, suggesting it hinders access to new medications.
Ricks noted that the UK’s current pricing regime, through the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG), limits the country’s pharmaceutical market. Negotiations regarding drug pricing under this scheme have stalled, with no official talks resumed as of now. Hughes pointed out that Moderna operates under a different framework as vaccine payments occur through central contracts, outside of the VPAG.
The new Moderna site at the Harwell science campus will manufacture mRNA vaccines for various programs, including Covid and flu vaccinations. Moderna also plans to explore mRNA applications for cancer and rare diseases. With a production capacity of up to 100 million doses annually—potentially increasing to 250 million during a pandemic—the facility is positioned as a significant player in future health emergencies.
Science minister Patrick Vallance attended the opening and reiterated the government’s aim to enhance investment in new medicines, acknowledging that current spending in the NHS needs to improve. The investments by Moderna are part of broader attempts to bolster the UK’s health security.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/25/moderna-boss-defends-uk-in-drug-pricing-row-as-he-opens-150m-oxfordshire-facility