AstraZeneca has announced a major $2.5 billion investment to establish a new global strategic R&D centre in Beijing, marking the company’s second R&D hub in China and its sixth worldwide. This investment, which will unfold over the next five years, underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in China’s thriving life sciences sector.
The new R&D centre will focus on early-stage research and clinical development, enhanced by an AI and data science laboratory. Located in the Beijing International Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, the facility will be situated close to leading biotechs, hospitals, and regulatory bodies, creating a dynamic ecosystem for innovation.
Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca’s CEO, highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “This $2.5 billion investment reflects our belief in the world-class life sciences ecosystem in Beijing, and our continued commitment to China.” Soriot further emphasized that the centre will play a crucial role in AstraZeneca’s global mission to deliver innovative medicines to patients.
Alongside the R&D centre, AstraZeneca has formed key partnerships with three biotech companies—Harbour BioMed, Syneron Bio, and BioKangtai. These agreements include collaborations to discover multi-specific antibodies, develop macro-cyclic peptides, and create innovative vaccines for respiratory and infectious diseases. AstraZeneca will establish its first vaccine manufacturing facility in China in collaboration with BioKangtai, located at the Beijing BioPark.
The company’s expansion also includes a joint venture with BioKangtai for vaccine development and manufacturing, and a strategic partnership with Beijing Cancer Hospital for research in oncology and clinical development. AstraZeneca’s workforce in Beijing is expected to grow to 1,700 employees.
In recognition of AstraZeneca’s contributions to China’s innovation ecosystem, CEO Pascal Soriot has been invited to join the Beijing International Business Leaders Advisory Council (IBLAC).
References:
AstraZeneca Press Release, March 2025
AstraZeneca HQ in Cambridge UK Picture by D Wells on Wikimedia
