Merck’s R&D exit highlights concerns about U.K.’s life sciences policies

Merck is describing its decision to discontinue discovery research operations in the U.K. as a response to British government policies and a sharp pivot to the U.S. By slimming its presence in Britain, Merck has accentuated questions about the health of the country’s life sciences industry and the viability of government plans to use the sector to buoy economic development. 

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) announced the decision on Wednesday, which comes amid pressure from the Trump administration for pharmaceutical companies to invest in the U.S...