Novartis has inaugurated a new global Biomedical Research centre in San Diego, California, aimed at strengthening its drug discovery capabilities and advancing its global pipeline.

Scheduled to become operational in 2029, the approximately 466,000-square-foot facility will accommodate around 1,000 employees. The centre will integrate closely with Novartis’ global research hubs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Basel, Switzerland, supporting coordinated discovery efforts across regions.

Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, said the new centre will enhance the company’s scientific leadership and accelerate the development of transformative medicines. The facility will focus on genetics and human biology in key therapeutic areas, including neuroscience and oncology, while fostering deeper collaboration with biotech, academic and technology partners in the region.

Local government officials and community representatives joined Novartis executives at the ceremony. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the investment further strengthens the city’s position as a global life sciences hub, driving innovation, high-quality jobs and medical breakthroughs.

Building on more than 25 years of research and development in San Diego, the new centre will support end-to-end drug discovery in core disease areas such as neuroscience, oncology, global health, age-related diseases and regenerative medicine. It will also expand Novartis’ capabilities in advanced technology platforms, including gene and cell therapies, RNA-based therapies, biologics and targeted protein degradation, alongside novel drug delivery systems.

Thierry Diagana, California Sites Head and Global Head of Global Health, Biomedical Research at Novartis, said the facility reflects the company’s long-standing innovation legacy in California and its commitment to shaping the future of patient care.

The research centre will embed advanced artificial intelligence, data and computational tools to enhance collaboration and accelerate scientific insights across the Novartis Biomedical Research network worldwide.

The San Diego facility forms part of Novartis’ broader USD 23 billion investment in the US. This includes a new flagship manufacturing hub in North Carolina, a radioligand therapy manufacturing facility in Carlsbad, California, expansions in Indiana and New Jersey, and planned new radioligand therapy facilities in Florida and Texas.