AstraZeneca to invest US$15bn in China manufacturing and R&D

PHARMACEUTICAL giant AstraZeneca has announced plans to invest US$15bn in China, deepening its presence in the country’s manufacturing and research ecosystem and citing China’s growing “scientific excellence”.

The investment, announced last week, will span the pharmaceutical value chain from drug discovery to commercial manufacturing. AstraZeneca said it will focus particularly on cell therapies and oncology, drawing on China’s advanced R&D and manufacturing capabilities to expand its biotech portfolio.

As part of the expansion, the company plans to grow its manufacturing footprint in Beijing, Wuxi, Taizhou and Qingdao. AstraZeneca said the programme is expected to support more than 20,000 jobs across the supply chain and accelerate access to new treatments for Chinese patients.

Chinese expertise

China has been rapidly growing its pharmaceuticals sector in recent years, particularly in gene and cell therapies. More than 400 cell therapies are currently in clinical trials in the country, with notable strength in CAR T and stem cell development.

The country’s focus on manufacturing is part of its “Healthy China 2030” strategy, launched in 2016 to improve the nation’s health and strengthen social and economic development.

UK-Chine trade links

AstraZeneca’s investment was announced during UK prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China, where he reaffirmed his country’s commitment to collaboration in pharmaceutical innovation.

AstraZeneca says it is also working with UK universities including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and King’s College London to build research partnerships linked to its China expansion.

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, said: “By expanding our capabilities in breakthrough treatments like cell therapy and radioconjugates, we will strengthen our contribution to China’s high-quality development and, most importantly, bring next-generation modalities to patients.”

The company recently forecast annual revenues of US$80bn by 2030 and the launch of more than 20 new medicines, underscoring the strategic importance of its China investment.