Novartis has begun construction of a new global Biomedical Research Center in San Diego, California. The approximately 43,000-square-meter facility will provide scientists with modern infrastructure and technologies to advance the discovery of new medicines. It is scheduled to open in early 2029. The center will be part of Novartis' global research network and will work closely with existing sites such as Cambridge (USA) and Basel (Switzerland).
According to Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, the new research center will further strengthen the company's scientific leadership position. The aim is to accelerate the development of novel therapies for patients worldwide. At the same time, the pharmaceutical company hopes to forge closer ties with local biotech, academic, and technology partners. According to Marshall, the center is designed to efficiently translate genetic and biological insights into drug development in key therapeutic areas such as neuroscience and oncology.
Novartis focuses on key therapeutic areas and technology platforms
According to the company, the new facility in San Diego will enable integrated end-to-end drug discovery, ranging from basic research to preclinical development. In addition to neuroscience and oncology, this also includes global health, age-related diseases, and regenerative medicine. Novartis also plans to expand its expertise in cutting-edge technologies such as gene and cell therapy, RNA-based drugs, biologics, and targeted protein degradation. Thierry Diagana, Site Head California and Global Head of Global Health in Biomedical Research, explains that Novartis wants to build on its existing innovation base in California to enable new medical breakthroughs for millions of patients worldwide.
Artificial intelligence as a driver of research at Novartis
According to Novartis, artificial intelligence will play a central role in the new center. By embedding advanced AI, data, and analytics capabilities into all research processes, the company hopes to achieve more efficient processes, faster insights, and improved translation of laboratory results into clinically relevant applications. The goal is to make research results available not only locally, but across the global Novartis network.
Part of a comprehensive investment strategy in the US
The new research facility is part of a $23 billion investment by Novartis to significantly expand its research and manufacturing presence in the US. This includes, among other things:
- a new production center in North Carolina
- the opening of a radioligand therapy manufacturing facility in Carlsbad, California
- the expansion of existing facilities in Indiana and New Jersey
- and planned new production facilities in Florida and Texas
With these measures, the pharmaceutical company is pursuing the goal of increasing supply security and bringing the innovation pipeline to patients more quickly.
Outlook: Novartis strengthens global research landscape
With the new Biomedical Research Center in San Diego, Novartis says it wants to create a high-performance center. This will not only contribute to the discovery of new therapies, but also set global standards for networked research. The combination of state-of-the-art infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological excellence will lay the foundation for next-generation drug development.
