AstraZeneca to Invest $15B in China Through 2030 Expansion Plan

AstraZeneca $15 billion China investment marks a major push to expand medicines manufacturing and R&D through 2030, tapping into China’s scientific strength, advanced manufacturing base, and deep China-UK healthcare collaboration.

The move aims to deliver next-generation treatments to patients in China and worldwide while strengthening the UK’s life sciences sector.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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.”

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AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said: “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.”

Recognizing China’s leadership in new modalities, the AstraZeneca $15 billion China investment will boost cell therapy and radioconjugates across discovery, clinical development, and manufacturing. Partnerships with AbelZeta, CSPC, Harbour BioMed, Jacobio, and Syneron Bio will help bring Chinese innovation to global markets. Following its Gracell Biotechnologies acquisition, AstraZeneca becomes the first global biopharma with end-to-end cell therapy capabilities in China.

The company will expand R&D hubs in Beijing and Shanghai, deepen work with over 500 hospitals, grow manufacturing in Wuxi, Taizhou, Qingdao, and Beijing, and add new sites. The investment aligns with Healthy China 2030, supports the ‘Common Health’ agenda, and will grow AstraZeneca’s China workforce beyond 20,000 while creating thousands of ecosystem jobs.