AstraZeneca invests $2.5B in China for R&D, biotech partnerships

ANKARA

British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca on Friday announced a $2.5 billion investment in Beijing, enhancing its commitment to advancing life sciences in China.

This major investment will establish the company's sixth global strategic R&D center and its second in China, following the one in Shanghai.

The initiative also includes agreements with leading biotech firms Harbour BioMed, Syneron Bio, and BioKangtai.

The new R&D center will focus on early-stage research, clinical development, and cutting-edge innovations in biology and AI.

Situated in the Beijing International Pharmaceutical Innovation Park (BioPark), the facility will be near top biotechs, research hospitals, and regulatory agencies.

AstraZeneca expects its workforce in Beijing to grow to 1,700 employees.

This $2.5 billion investment reflects AstraZeneca's belief in "the world-class life sciences ecosystem in Beijing" and its continued commitment to China, said Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca’s CEO. He underlined the center's role in driving global medical innovation.

Additionally, AstraZeneca will launch a joint venture with BioKangtai to develop and manufacture vaccines, marking the establishment of its first vaccine manufacturing facility in China.