AstraZeneca has announced plans to invest $15 billion in China by 2030 as it looks to expand its research, development and manufacturing capabilities and advance the next generation of innovative medicines.
The investment is set to build on China’s scientific capabilities and advanced manufacturing base, while also strengthening collaboration within the China-UK healthcare ecosystem. According to the company, the funding will support the development of new treatments for patients in China and international markets.
The announcement was made during a visit to China by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said the expansion would deliver benefits for both countries. “Unlocking opportunities for British businesses across the globe and delivering for working people back home is always the driving force behind my international engagements. AstraZeneca’s expansion and leadership in China will help the British manufacturer continue to grow – supporting thousands of UK jobs. The multi-billion pound investment announced today from AstraZeneca, alongside partnerships from some of our country’s leading universities, furthers research and development in the UK which is helping to power our world class life sciences sector.”
Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer of AstraZeneca, described the move as a significant step for the company’s future in the region. “Today’s landmark investment of $15 billion begins an exciting next chapter for AstraZeneca in China, which has become a critical contributor to scientific innovation, advanced manufacturing, and global public health. 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.”
AstraZeneca said the investment reflects China’s progress in advanced scientific research, particularly in emerging treatment areas. Funding will be directed towards enhancing the company’s capabilities in cell therapy and radioconjugates, which are central to its pipeline for cancer, haematological and autoimmune diseases. The work will cover the full value chain, including drug discovery, clinical development and manufacturing.
The company will also extend its partnerships with Chinese biotech firms such as AbelZeta, CSPC, Harbour BioMed, Jacobio and Syneron Bio. Building on its acquisition of Gracell Biotechnologies in 2024, AstraZeneca said it will become the first global biopharmaceutical company to have end-to-end cell therapy capabilities in China.
The new investment adds to AstraZeneca’s existing R&D presence in the country, which includes global strategic research centres in Beijing and Shanghai. These centres currently work with more than 500 clinical hospitals and have supported numerous global clinical trials over the past three years. The company will also further develop its manufacturing sites in Wuxi, Taizhou, Qingdao and Beijing, alongside new facilities that are yet to be announced.
Once fully implemented, the expansion is expected to increase AstraZeneca’s workforce in China to more than 20,000 employees and generate thousands of additional jobs across the wider healthcare ecosystem.
The company said the programme will deepen collaboration between China and the UK, building on existing links with the University of Cambridge and partners in Beijing. Further partnerships are planned with institutions including the University of Oxford, the University of Glasgow, King’s College London and HSBC.
AstraZeneca added that the investment aligns with the objectives of Healthy China 2030 and will support China’s ‘Common Health’ agenda, with a focus on prevention, early diagnosis and improved access to innovative medicines for underserved communities.
