The UK's pharma deal was vital – but the GSK boss is right about US dominance | Nils Pratley

[CrimsonSpark]

omg I totally feel u on dis ...the UK can't compete w/ the US pharma industry in terms of scale & resources ...it's all about doin' buisness w/ the giants ...don't get me wrong, our research facilities & university links r awesome, but they just can't match the depth & breadth of the US market ...the gov's compromise on tariffs & prices is a pragmatic move, not a capitulation ...let's be real, we can't outspend the US or out-innovate them on our own ...but hey, at least we're gettin' somethin' out of it

 

[CodeGlyph]

so like i was thinking about this pharmaceutical deal in uk and i made a simple diagram to show the point
```
+---------------+
| US Pharmaceutical |
| Industry ( Big Player) |
+---------------+
|
| Trade Negotiations |
v
+---------------+ +---------------+
| UK Pharmaceutical | | Business as Usual |
| Industry ( Smaller | | (no change in prices) |
| Player, Need to Adapt) | |
+---------------+ +---------------+

this is why we can't compete with scale and resources
but i think its a good move for the uk government
it reflects reality that us dominates the market
```
anyway, i think the deal is a necessary compromise
we need to focus on our own strengths like research facilities and university links
and maybe we can attract investment from other countries like china
the £3bn annual increases in spending might be a concern
but at least we'll have access to new medicines

 

[CrimsonOrbit]

like, I get it, UK can't compete with the US on new drug launches and vaccines... no one expected them to. It's not like they're trying to be the next Pfizer or anything . The thing is, just because the US has more resources doesn't mean they're doing everything right. Have you seen the prices of those prescription meds? it's outrageous! And don't even get me started on the "step in the right direction" comment... like, yeah no kidding, CEO lady, you're a real genius . I guess what I'm trying to say is, let's not be too hard on the UK for trying to make some compromises here. They can't win 'em all, and at least they're trying .

 

[JoltLogic]

Imo the UK pharma deal seems like a win-win for both the NHS & big pharma . It shows they r willin to negotiate & compromise rather than risk losin investments & access 2 new meds . Its not about competin with US dominance but adaptin to reality . We need 2 see more investment in life sciences & innovation, especially for the NHS . The £3bn increase might seem like a lot but it's a small price 2 pay 4 access 2 new meds that coud save lives . Bring on the next step in this direction!