Novartis Breaks Ground on New Biomedical Research Center in San Diego

The new facility will enable end-to-end drug discovery across key disease areas and technology platforms.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Novartis has broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art global Biomedical Research center in San Diego, California. The approximately 466,000-square-foot facility is expected to house about 1,000 Novartis employees and integrate with the company's existing global research sites. The new center is designed to power future drug discovery, with a focus on genetics and human biology in areas like neuroscience and oncology.

Why it matters

This investment by Novartis reinforces San Diego's position as a global leader in life sciences, bringing together world-class talent, cutting-edge research, and a collaborative ecosystem to turn discovery into impact. The new research center will strengthen Novartis' scientific leadership and accelerate the discovery of transformative medicines for patients worldwide.

The details

The new facility will support end-to-end drug discovery across core disease areas, including neuroscience, global health, oncology, age-related diseases, and regenerative medicine. It will also expand Novartis' capabilities in next-generation technology platforms such as gene and cell therapies, RNA-based therapies, biologics, and targeted protein degradation. The center will advance novel delivery systems to open new therapeutic possibilities.

  • Novartis broke ground on the new research center on February 6, 2026.
  • The facility is expected to be operational by 2029.

The players

Novartis

An innovative medicines company that works to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives.

Fiona Marshall

President of Biomedical Research at Novartis.

Todd Gloria

San Diego Mayor.

Thierry Diagana

California Sites Head and Global Head of Global Health, Biomedical Research, Novartis.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis (biospace.com)

“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.”

— Todd Gloria, San Diego Mayor (biospace.com)

“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.”

— Thierry Diagana, California Sites Head and Global Head of Global Health, Biomedical Research, Novartis (biospace.com)

What’s next

The new Novartis research center in San Diego is expected to be operational by 2029, further strengthening the city's position as a global leader in life sciences.

The takeaway

Novartis' investment in a new state-of-the-art biomedical research center in San Diego underscores the city's thriving life sciences ecosystem and the company's commitment to driving innovation that can transform care for patients worldwide.