Amgen to Invest $600 Million in New R&D Center in California

Amgen's new research and development center and laboratory equipment in Thousand Oaks.

Thousand Oaks, California, September 3, 2025

News Summary

Amgen has revealed plans to invest $600 million in a new research and development center located in Thousand Oaks, California. Slated to break ground in the third quarter of this year, the facility aims to foster collaboration among scientists and engineers, focusing on next-generation drug discovery. This investment is part of a broader trend among drugmakers to enhance U.S. domestic production and research capabilities amidst global challenges. The center will not serve as a manufacturing site but will provide advanced tools for scientific inquiry.

California

Amgen, a prominent biotechnology company, has announced plans to invest $600 million in a new research and development center in Thousand Oaks, California. The company plans to break ground on this facility in the third quarter of the year, with a vision to unify its researchers, engineers, and scientists under one roof, focusing on next-generation drug discovery.

The new center will not serve as a drug manufacturing facility. Instead, it is designed to facilitate enhanced collaboration among staff and provide advanced tools crucial for scientific discovery. This move is part of Amgen’s broader strategy to bolster domestic research capabilities and production, especially amid recent challenges such as U.S. import tariffs and supply chain pressures.

Amgen is headquartered in Thousand Oaks and controls nearly 2 million square feet of biotech space in the Conejo Valley, located about 40 miles west of Los Angeles. The recent announcement aligns with a trend where, in 2025 alone, 15 major drugmakers are expected to invest over $270 billion in U.S. projects. This reflects a remarkable 185% increase in demand for biomanufacturing, according to the commercial real estate firm JLL.

In the first half of this year, Alexandria Real Estate Equities has expanded its lab space by over half a million square feet, with additional projects on the horizon to accommodate rising needs in the biotechnology sector. In addition to this recent investment, Amgen has previously announced a $900 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio, and a $1 billion investment in a second manufacturing site located in Holly Springs, North Carolina.

The decision to expand research and development capabilities comes in light of efforts by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to streamline the approval process for new drug manufacturing sites in the United States. Furthermore, the White House is actively working to shorten the construction timelines for pharmaceutical facilities, which currently can take up to 10 years to complete.

Amgen has credited the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 as a significant motivator behind these domestic investments, and they expect future legislation to further promote such growth. The company emphasizes that this substantial investment aims to strengthen U.S. drug supply chains and enhance overall domestic scientific research and innovation.

Recently, other pharmaceutical companies including AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novartis have similarly made major commitments to invest in the U.S. This surge in investment supports recent policies aimed at reshoring pharmaceutical production back to American soil, amid escalating concerns regarding foreign dependency within the healthcare sector.

Key Developments

  • Amgen’s $600 million investment in a R&D facility in Thousand Oaks, California.
  • Focus on next-generation drug discovery, enhancing collaboration among researchers.
  • Part of a larger trend in biomanufacturing, with over $270 billion projected in U.S. investments from major drugmakers by 2025.
  • Aligned with FDA efforts to expedite the approval of new drug manufacturing sites in the U.S.

FAQ

What is Amgen’s new investment in Thousand Oaks focused on?

Amgen is investing $600 million in a new research and development center aimed at next-generation drug discovery and enhancing collaboration among its scientists, engineers, and researchers.

Will the new facility be used for drug manufacturing?

No, the new center will not be a drug manufacturing facility. Its purpose is to enhance collaboration and provide advanced tools for scientific research.

How does this investment fit into broader industry trends?

This investment is part of a larger trend where major drugmakers are significantly increasing their investments in the U.S., with projections of over $270 billion by 2025, reflecting a substantial increase in biomanufacturing demand.

What is the significance of this investment for U.S. drug supply?

The investment aims to strengthen U.S. drug supply chains and reduce dependency on foreign manufacturing, aligning with governmental efforts to encourage domestic pharmaceutical production.

Key Features Chart

Feature Details
Investment Amount $600 million
Location Thousand Oaks, California
Primary Purpose Research and development for drug discovery
Industry Context Part of a $270 billion investment trend by U.S. drugmakers by 2025
Additional Developments Expansion of facilities in Columbus, Ohio, and Holly Springs, North Carolina

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD

The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

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