British Pharma Giant AstraZeneca Commits US$2.5 Billion Investment in Beijing
BEIJING: British pharmaceutical powerhouse AstraZeneca has signed a landmark agreement to invest US$2.5 billion in Beijing over the next five years, signaling renewed confidence in China’s economy, according to a report by Xinhua.
“This investment underscores our confidence in Beijing’s world-class life sciences innovation ecosystem, the vast opportunities for collaboration, and its exceptional talent pool,” said AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot in an interview with the state news agency.
The deal was inked with the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area—commonly known as E-Town—where AstraZeneca’s China Northern Region headquarters is located.
As part of its expansion, AstraZeneca will also establish a new joint venture in Beijing with Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., Ltd. The partnership will focus on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative medicines targeting respiratory and infectious diseases.
“China is a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation,” Soriot said, adding that this year’s Chinese government report, which reaffirmed its commitment to science, innovation, and openness, was “extremely encouraging.”
“We’ve invested heavily in science and innovation in China for years, and we plan to do even more going forward,” he added.
Soriot also highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of healthcare, praising China’s advanced technological capabilities, fast-paced business environment, and what he referred to as “China speed” as key reasons for deepening ties with the country.
“In the biopharmaceutical industry, the future lies in harnessing data to accelerate drug development. Our collaborations are focused on institutions and companies bridging AI and biology. China’s talent pool in AI and its vast data sets give it a significant competitive edge,” he explained.
This latest multi-billion-dollar commitment follows a string of major investments by AstraZeneca in China. In 2024, the company announced US$475 million for a small-molecule drug facility in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, and US$750 million for an inhalation aerosol plant in Qingdao.
“We have no doubt that China will solidify its position as a global scientific powerhouse and make an even greater impact on patients worldwide in the years to come,” Soriot concluded.
— BERNAMA
