Gilead Sciences opens new research centre in California to accelerate drug discovery
It will house about 325 employees, including 260 laboratory scientists, and provide adaptable laboratories, collaborative workspaces and shared technology platforms.
USA—Gilead Sciences has opened a new 182,000 ft² research centre at its headquarters in Foster City, California, as the biopharmaceutical company expands its capacity to develop medicines for complex diseases.
The five-storey facility will strengthen Gilead’s research capabilities in inflammation, oncology and data science.
It will house about 325 employees, including 260 laboratory scientists, and provide adaptable laboratories, collaborative workspaces and shared technology platforms.
New facility expands US research capabilities
Gilead officially opened the centre during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by company executives, employees and guests, including US Representative Kevin Mullin of California’s 15th Congressional District and California State Assembly member Diane Papan.
Gilead chairman and chief executive officer Daniel O’Day said advances in science and technology were creating new opportunities for biomedical research.
He said the new centre would enable scientists to use these advances to develop breakthrough medicines more quickly.
The facility forms part of Gilead’s broader US$32 billion investment in the US and reflects the company’s plans to expand its research, development and manufacturing infrastructure through 2030.
Gilead currently employs about 11,000 people across the US, including more than 7,400 in California and approximately 4,700 in the Bay Area.
Foster City investment continues
The new research centre is one of several projects Gilead is developing in Foster City.
The company is also constructing a Technical Development Center, which is expected to open in 2027, and a biologics manufacturing facility scheduled for completion in 2029.
Flavius Martin, Gilead’s executive vice-president of research, said the new centre brings together scientific expertise and advanced technologies to support drug discovery.
He said co-locating research teams and expanding the company’s data science capabilities would improve collaboration and provide scientists with the infrastructure needed to advance new medicines.
The building also incorporates sustainability measures, including all-electric systems, energy-efficient design and landscaping using native California plants. Gilead is targeting LEED Gold certification for the facility.
In addition, the centre connects to an adjacent building, allowing researchers to move equipment more efficiently while providing a central gathering area for collaboration.
Gilead expands biotechnology portfolio
The Foster City investment follows Gilead’s expansion of its biotechnology portfolio.
In May 2026, the company completed its acquisition of Germany-based biotechnology firm Tubulis, which develops next-generation antibody-drug conjugates.
The transaction, valued at up to US$5 billion, added Tubulis’ antibody-drug conjugate technology and research capabilities to Gilead’s development pipeline.
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