Vectura's research hub decision stalled by new ownership crisis
- Molex completed the acquisition of Vectura from Philip Morris International.
- Vectura's planned R&D facility on the Bristol and Bath Science Park received planning permission in 2022.
- The delay has raised concerns about the project's future and local economic impact.
In recent months, the fate of Vectura’s planned research and development facility at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in the UK has been uncertain since its new owner, Molex, deferred the decision on this major investment. The facility, envisioned as a state-of-the-art Inhalation Centre of Excellence, had previously received planning approval in 2022 after Vectura was acquired for £1 billion by Philip Morris International. Initially, construction was set to commence in mid-2023, with an anticipated opening in early 2024. However, complications arose due to what Philip Morris described as 'unwarranted opposition' to the project, which ultimately contributed to the delay in progress following Molex's takeover of Vectura. This acquisition was confirmed in late 2023, leading to growing concerns about the future of the planned facility and the impact on the regional economy, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. Stakeholders and industry experts are now left to speculate on the potential repercussions stemming from this corporate shift, highlighting the need for clarity on investment priorities from Molex moving forward.