California Construction News staff writer
Novartis has broken ground on a new Biomedical Research center in San Diego, aimed at advancing the company’s drug-discovery pipeline and strengthening its global scientific capabilities.
Slated to open in 2029, the approximately 466,000-sq. ft. structure is expected to employ around 1,000 people. It will integrate with Novartis research sites in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Basel, Switzerland, enabling collaborative discovery efforts across regions.
“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.”
Government officials and community partners joined Novartis employees at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“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 San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “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.”
The facility builds on more than 25 years of Novartis research in San Diego and will support end-to-end drug discovery in neuroscience, global health, oncology, and age-related diseases, including regenerative medicine. It will expand the company’s capabilities in next-generation technologies such as gene and cell therapies, RNA-based therapies, biologics, targeted protein degradation, and novel delivery systems.
“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 at Novartis.
The facility will also leverage advanced artificial intelligence, data analytics, and computational capabilities to accelerate discovery and share insights across the global Novartis Biomedical Research network.
The San Diego center is part of Novartis’ broader $23 billion U.S. investment, which includes a new flagship manufacturing hub in North Carolina, a radioligand therapy manufacturing facility in Carlsbad, California, expansions in Indiana and New Jersey, and plans for new manufacturing facilities in Florida and Texas.
