$1 billion Massachusetts investment will expand the company’s state workforce by more than 50% and support research into next-generation medicines
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — AstraZeneca has opened a new global strategic research and development center in Kendall Square, marking a major expansion of the biopharmaceutical company’s presence in Massachusetts and its investment in the region’s life sciences ecosystem.
The 570,000-square-foot, 18-story facility at 290 Binney Street is expected to bring together nearly 2,000 researchers and scientists, alongside AstraZeneca’s existing genomic medicine site at 100 Binney Street. The center will focus on research across oncology, cell therapy, chronic disease and rare diseases, with the goal of advancing new medicines and technologies.
The facility includes 10 interconnected laboratory floors designed to promote collaboration among scientists and incorporate technologies including robotics, continuous automation and artificial intelligence.
“Kendall Square is a leading innovation ecosystem, and it is one of the key locations where AstraZeneca will discover the next generation of scientific breakthroughs,” said Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca. “Our new R&D center not only reflects AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to Massachusetts but also our belief in delivering US-led innovation to patients around the world.”
AstraZeneca said the new center represents a more than $1 billion investment in Massachusetts as part of its broader $50 billion investment across the United States. The Massachusetts investment is expected to increase the company’s workforce in the state by more than 50% in the coming years and contribute additional economic activity and jobs across the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the investment underscores the state’s position as a global center for life sciences.
“Massachusetts leads the world in life sciences because we bring together the best talent, institutions and ideas to solve hard problems and improve people’s lives,” Healey said. “We’re excited to see the future of medicine take shape in Kendall Square.”
AstraZeneca said researchers at the Kendall Square center will work on treatments for conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity and metabolic disease, breast cancer and rare diseases. The site will also support longer-term research in areas such as cell therapy and biologics.
The company said its Massachusetts operations benefit from the region’s concentration of universities, healthcare institutions, scientific talent and biotechnology companies. AstraZeneca also plans to support academic research partnerships, STEM education, workforce development and community organizations in the region.
The Kendall Square center joins AstraZeneca’s global R&D network spanning more than 40 countries and its other U.S. global strategic research center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The company has 24 R&D, manufacturing, commercial and corporate locations across the United States and employs more than 25,000 people nationally.
AstraZeneca is headquartered in Cambridge, U.K., and develops and commercializes prescription medicines in areas including oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, respiratory and immunological conditions. Its medicines are sold in more than 125 countries.
