Novartis has started work on a $1.1 billion biomedical research facility in California, adding a major new pillar to its long-term US investment strategy. The San Diego biomedical R&D site is part of a wider $23 billion expansion programme that spans seven new facilities planned across the country.
The 466,000 sq ft campus is intended to act as a bridge between Novartis’ existing research centres in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Basel, Switzerland. From early discovery through advanced development, teams at the San Diego biomedical R&D site will work across multiple disease areas using shared technology platforms. In parallel, Novartis has outlined plans to construct four additional manufacturing plants and three radioligand therapy facilities in the US over the next five years.
The centre is expected to be operational by around 2029 and employ roughly 1,000 people. Its layout is built around modular lab spaces designed to place different disciplines closer together, making it easier for teams to collaborate and use common AI and automation tools without friction.
Scientific work at the site will concentrate on neuroscience, oncology, global health, age-related conditions and regenerative medicine. Researchers will operate across a wide mix of treatment approaches, including cell and gene therapies, RNA-based medicines, biologics, targeted protein degraders and emerging drug delivery technologies
“This new research centre will strengthen our scientific leadership and accelerate the discovery of transformative medicines for patients worldwide, while deepening our connectivity with biotech, academic, and technology partners across the region,” said Fiona Marshall, president of biomedical research at Novartis.
“Designed to power future drug discovery, with a focus on genetics and human biology in key therapeutic areas such as neuroscience and oncology, it will create a single Novartis research centre within one of the world’s premier life sciences ecosystems,” added Marshall.
