Novartis Breaks Ground On Major San Diego Research Centre To Power Global Drug Discovery, Expands US R&D Footprint With New AI-Driven Biomedical Hub

Novartis has begun construction on a major new global Biomedical Research center in San Diego, California, aimed at strengthening its scientific infrastructure and accelerating drug discovery. The roughly 466,000-square-foot site is expected to open in 2029 and accommodate around 1,000 employees, while working in close coordination with the company’s research hubs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Basel, Switzerland.

“Rooted in a strong legacy of innovation in San Diego and California, we are inspired to shape the future, driving new breakthroughs that will transform care for millions of patients worldwide,” said Thierry Diagana, California Sites Head and Global Head of Global Health, Biomedical Research, Novartis.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together Novartis staff, government officials, and community representatives, highlighting the project’s regional and national significance. The new campus builds on more than two decades of Novartis research in San Diego and will support end-to-end discovery across areas such as neuroscience, oncology, global health, regenerative medicine, and age-related diseases.

“This new research center 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,” said Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis. “Designed to power future drug discovery, with a focus on genetics and human biology in key therapeutic areas such as neuroscience and oncology, it will create a single Novartis research center within one of the world’s premier life sciences ecosystems—accelerating our pipeline from discovery to patients.”

The facility will also expand Novartis’ capabilities in advanced platforms including gene and cell therapies, RNA-based medicines, biologics and targeted protein degradation, alongside the development of novel drug-delivery systems. Artificial intelligence, data science and computational tools will be embedded throughout the site to help connect global research teams and speed scientific breakthroughs.

“This investment by Novartis reinforces San Diego as a place where breakthrough science happens and where innovation translates into high-quality jobs and life-changing medicines,” said Todd Gloria, San Diego Mayor. “San Diego is a global leader in life sciences because we bring together world-class talent, cutting-edge research and a collaborative ecosystem that turns discovery into impact. We’re proud to welcome this new research center and to continue building an economy rooted in innovation and results.”

This investment forms part of Novartis’ broader USD 23 billion commitment to expanding its US footprint, which includes new manufacturing hubs in North Carolina, radioligand therapy sites in California, Florida and Texas, and upgrades to facilities in Indiana and New Jersey.