During Trump’s UK Visit, GSK Commits $30 Billion Investment to Expand U.S. R&D and Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical giant GSK (GSK.L) announced on Wednesday that it will invest $30 billion in U.S. research and development (R&D) and supply chain infrastructure over the next five years. The commitment comes as part of finalizing investment agreements during U.S. President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the U.K.

The company stated that its new facilities in the U.S.—where it earned half of its revenue last year—will “integrate R&D and manufacturing across both the U.K. and the U.S., strengthening the life sciences leadership of both nations.”

GSK’s plans include a $1.2 billion investment in a new factory in Pennsylvania, set to begin construction in 2026. The facility will focus on producing new treatments for respiratory diseases and cancer.

Additionally, GSK will enhance its five existing U.S. plants by investing in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, advanced drug substance manufacturing, and improved equipment integration.

London-based GSK is the latest pharmaceutical company to expand its footprint in the U.S. amid Trump’s push to impose tariffs on imports and boost domestic manufacturing—a sector that has historically avoided major trade disputes.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, in a statement shared by GSK, said, “This historic investment will create thousands of American jobs and ensure that the development and manufacturing of critical medicines and technologies take place right here on U.S. soil—where they belong.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the investment as “a powerful example of how U.K.–U.S. collaboration is making a real-world impact—improving health outcomes, creating opportunities, and driving growth.”

The announcement comes at a time when several pharmaceutical companies—including AstraZeneca (AZN.L) and U.S. drugmaker Merck & Co. (MRK.N)—have pulled back or paused investments in the U.K., citing a challenging domestic environment.

Boost to Clinical Trials and R&D

GSK stated that the investment will also support R&D and clinical trial activities, with expectations that the U.S. will lead the world in the number of studies, trial sites, and participants within the next five years.

The company did not clarify whether the $30 billion includes previously allocated funding for its U.S. operations. Industry sources told Reuters that several firms announcing large investments under Trump’s administration have incorporated existing projects or facilities to reach headline figures.

GSK also reiterated its commitment to invest nearly $2 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the past year, which is expected to create hundreds of skilled jobs as well as additional roles in construction, ultimately expanding its U.S. workforce to approximately 15,000 employees.