Roche’s Genentech opens CVRM Research Hub in Boston

USA—Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche, has launched the Roche Genentech Innovation Center in Boston at Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus in Allston, Massachusetts.

This initiative aims to strengthen the existing collaboration between Roche, Genentech, and Harvard University, focusing on advancing disease biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning research.

 The center will serve as Roche’s hub for Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM) research and development, establishing a significant end-to-end  research and  Development (R&D) presence in these critical areas.

The Harvard Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) is being developed by Tishman Speyer and Breakthrough Properties.

It is strategically located near Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex and Harvard Business School, with the first phase expected to be completed in 2026.

This mixed-use development is designed to promote innovation and collaboration. It integrates research and laboratory spaces with residential buildings, a hotel, a conference center, retail units, and community-centered outdoor spaces.

Roche will be the first company to occupy space in the campus’s initial phase, leasing 30,000 square feet with plans to expand its R&D footprint to accommodate up to 500 employees.

The Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston will focus on CVRM research, with additional AI and data science support to accelerate drug discovery and development.

The laboratories will be equipped for advanced research, and the center is expected to create up to 500 jobs over time.

Manu Chakravarthy, SVP and Global Head of CVRM Product Development, will serve as the site head, guiding the center’s strategic direction.

Roche and Genentech aim to expand their presence within the Greater Boston innovation ecosystem through this new center, leveraging local talent and establishing an entrepreneurial hub at Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus.

This investment underscores Roche’s commitment to advancing healthcare through academic and scientific collaboration, reinforcing a relationship with Harvard that spans over a decade.

Prior collaborative efforts have included combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and using AI in cancer research to identify targeted treatments and analyze the effectiveness of new cancer drugs in clinical trials.

Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker emphasized that the new innovation center builds on their longstanding collaboration with Harvard, allowing them to leverage the exceptional talent in the Boston area.

By investing in a CVRM center of excellence, along with data science and AI capabilities, Roche aims to accelerate research efforts and leverage the Boston innovation ecosystem.

Harvard University President Alan Garber noted that breakthroughs occur when leading biomedical companies and research universities collaborate in a region known for science and health innovation.

 He expressed delight that the Roche Genentech Innovation Center will launch the first phase of the Enterprise Research Campus, bringing new talent and opportunities to advance their shared commitment to discovery for human health advancement.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey highlighted that the Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston at Harvard exemplifies innovative public-private partnerships that have established Massachusetts as a global leader in the life sciences.

She noted the reauthorization of the Life Sciences Initiative, which will support collaborations between leading institutions and companies, foster scientific discovery, and create high-quality jobs. This will grow Massachusetts’ economy and benefit patients worldwide.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stated that Roche’s decision to bring the new Innovation Center to Allston is a testament to the strength of Boston and Massachusetts as a global hub for life sciences and a major milestone for the Enterprise Research Campus.

 She welcomed the expanding companies as the best place to source talent anywhere in the United States and is excited for the great jobs and progress this represents for their city.

Roche has a comprehensive presence in the United States, encompassing the entire pharmaceutical and diagnostics value chain.

This includes four Genentech sites focused on pharmaceutical R&D, production, and distribution and seven sites dedicated to diagnostics R&D and manufacturing.

With over 25,000 employees in the U.S., Roche has invested US$11 billion in the country over the last 10 years and plans to continue investing through Genentech and Diagnostics.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and beyond. Also, follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.