Novartis breaks ground on USD23B US expansion with new San Diego research hub

USA—Pharmaceutical giant Novartis has officially broken ground on its new global biomedical research centre in San Diego, California, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious USD23 billion United States investment strategy.

The state-of-the-art facility represents the company’s commitment to expanding its drug discovery capabilities and strengthening its presence in one of the world’s most vibrant life sciences ecosystems.

The research centre, scheduled to open its doors in 2029, will span approximately 466,000 square feet and provide workspace for 1,000 employees.

The San Diego location positions Novartis at the heart of a thriving biotechnology community, where the company plans to deepen its connections with biotech firms, academic institutions, and technology partners throughout the region.

Creating a global research network

The new San Diego facility will function as a critical node in Novartis’s integrated global research network, connecting seamlessly with existing research hubs in Basel, Switzerland, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

This interconnected approach allows the pharmaceutical company to facilitate collaborative drug discovery activities across different continents, enabling researchers to share insights and innovations in real time.

The centre will support comprehensive drug discovery efforts from initial research through development across multiple therapeutic areas.

Scientists at the facility will focus on age-related diseases, global health challenges, neuroscience, oncology, and regenerative medicine.

The research teams will also build expertise in cutting-edge treatment modalities, including gene and cell therapies, ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based therapies, biologics, targeted protein degradation, and innovative delivery systems.

Advanced technology at the core

Novartis plans to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence and computational technologies throughout the centre’s operations, positioning the facility at the forefront of modern drug discovery.

The company intends to leverage these tools to accelerate the identification and development of new therapeutic candidates, particularly in areas where genetics and human biology can unlock transformative treatments.

Part of broader US manufacturing and research expansion

The San Diego research centre represents just one component of Novartis’s comprehensive USD 23 billion investment across the United States.

The company’s expansion plan includes a major manufacturing hub in North Carolina and a radioligand therapy (RLT) manufacturing site currently under construction in Carlsbad, California.

Novartis has also committed to expanding existing facilities in Indiana and New Jersey while planning additional RLT manufacturing sites in Texas and Florida.

Fiona Marshall, president of Novartis biomedical research, emphasized the strategic importance of the new centre.

“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,” Marshall stated.

She added that the facility has been designed specifically to power future drug discovery, with particular emphasis on genetics and human biology in key therapeutic areas such as neuroscience and oncology.

The centre will consolidate Novartis research operations within San Diego’s premier life sciences ecosystem, ultimately accelerating the company’s pipeline from discovery to patients.

Recent radioligand therapy expansion

In January 2026, Novartis announced plans to build an additional RLT manufacturing facility in Winter Park, Florida, underscoring its commitment to expanding radioligand therapy manufacturing capabilities across the United States.