Developing new research strategies

Politicians have sought assurances from Pfizer that it will not cut research and development jobs in the UK on taking over AstraZeneca (Report, 15 May). These assurances have not been forthcoming and are unlikely to be worth much if given. Pfizer is a public company and is reported to be interested in this takeover for economic and tax reasons, primarily. It would be sorrowful if job cuts in the medical and pharmaceutical research and development in the private sector were to occur due to this takeover. However, it is disingenuous of the politicians to use this takeover to champion research and development presence in the pharmaceutical sector in the UK by shouting about jobs at AstraZeneca only. More...