Novartis breaks ground on new global Biomedical Research Center in San Diego

Novartis broke ground on a new global Biomedical Research center in San Diego, California, on February 6, 2026. The approximately 466,000 square foot facility is designed to provide scientific infrastructure and drug discovery capabilities to advance the company's pipeline. Once operational in 2029, the site is expected to house about 1,000 employees. It will integrate seamlessly with Novartis global research sites including Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Basel, Switzerland, enabling integrated discovery efforts across regions. Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, said the center will strengthen scientific leadership and accelerate the discovery of medicines for patients worldwide. The facility will focus on genetics and human biology in therapeutic areas such as neuroscience and oncology, she said. Todd Gloria, San Diego Mayor, said the investment reinforces San Diego as a place where science happens and innovation translates into jobs and medicines. San Diego is a global leader in life sciences because of its talent, research and collaborative ecosystem that turns discovery into impact, he said. The facility builds on more than 25 years of Novartis research and development in San Diego. It will support end to end drug discovery across core disease areas including neuroscience, global health, oncology, age related diseases and regenerative medicine, as well as next generation technology platforms such as gene and cell therapies, RNA based therapies, biologics and targeted protein degradation. With advanced artificial intelligence, data and computational capabilities embedded throughout, the facility will be part of the global Novartis Biomedical Research network. It is a key pillar of the company's USD 23 billion US investment to expand research and development and advanced manufacturing. Thierry Diagana, California Sites Head and Global Head of Global Health, Biomedical Research at Novartis, said the company is inspired to shape the future and drive new breakthroughs that will transform care for millions of patients worldwide.