Gilead Sciences has started construction on a new pharmaceutical development and manufacturing (PDM) technical development centre (NTDC) at its headquarters in Foster City, California.
The move is part of the company’s $32bn investment strategy in US innovation through the end of this decade. The investment is aimed at generating over $43bn in economic value across the US.
It is expected to enhance the biopharmaceutical sector and boost domestic job creation.
The five-storey facility, spanning 180,000ft2, will be a centre for innovation and collaboration in technical development and manufacturing. It will be equipped with flexible lab spaces and advanced digital infrastructure.
With artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled systems and real-time digital monitoring, the new centre will support technology transfer and help advance biologics in its pipeline, said Gilead.
Gilead chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day said: “This new facility is part of our vision for delivering next-generation therapies and a cornerstone of Gilead’s $32 billion investment commitment in the US.
“We have multiple construction projects underway, all of which will generate thousands of American jobs and help to drive U.S. leadership in global biopharma innovation.”
The project is part of Gilead’s broader efforts to expand its research and manufacturing capabilities in the US.
The company said that the investment strengthens its biologics capacity, creates over 3,000 jobs and promotes equitable healthcare access nationwide.
Also, the project expands the company’s headquarters, adding a research building for scientific discovery and a biologics plant to boost production capacity.
The current investment builds on the company’s more than $15bn commitment over the past decade, and strengthens its position in the US biopharmaceutical market.
California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis said: “California is proud to be home to Gilead Sciences and its ongoing investment in innovation and jobs right here in Foster City.
“This new Technical Development Center is more than a milestone for Gilead; it’s a win for all who will benefit from its breakthroughs.
“It demonstrates that when we invest in domestic biomanufacturing, we strengthen supply chains, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and keep America at the forefront of life-saving innovation.”
In June this year, Gilead and Kymera Therapeutics entered an exclusive option and licensing agreement to develop treatments for various cancers. The collaboration will focus on developing a novel molecular glue degrader (MGD) programme targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2).
