AstraZeneca Announces $2.5 Billion Beijing R&D Hub to Bolster China Presence

The investment will triple AstraZeneca's workforce in Beijing and includes collaborations with local biotech firms, despite ongoing regulatory challenges.

AstraZeneca is investing $2.5 billion in a new research and development hub in Beijing, its sixth global R&D center.
The hub will focus on early-stage research, clinical development, and AI-driven drug discovery, with a dedicated AI and data science laboratory.
The company's workforce in Beijing will grow from 600 to approximately 1,700 employees as part of this initiative.
Partnerships with Chinese biotech firms Harbour BioMed, Syneron Bio, and BioKangtai are central to the investment, targeting drug and vaccine development.
The announcement comes as AstraZeneca faces ongoing investigations in China over alleged illegal drug imports, data privacy violations, and unpaid import duties.