Amgen to invest $600M in new R&D facility in California
Biopharmaceutical giant Amgen announced Tuesday that it will invest more than $600 million to build a state-of-the-art research and development facility at its headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California. The move underscores the industry’s renewed push to strengthen U.S.-based operations amid mounting political pressure to reduce reliance on imported pharmaceuticals.
Building America’s Biotech Future
Construction of the new site is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year, with the project expected to create hundreds of U.S. jobs. Unlike a manufacturing plant, the facility will serve as a hub for researchers, engineers, and scientists working on treatments for some of the world’s most serious diseases.
Amgen said the building will feature advanced automation and digital capabilities, giving scientists access to cutting-edge tools for discovery and development.
“At Amgen, we’re continuing to invest in the future of American science and innovation,” said CEO Bob Bradway. “The center will empower our scientists with the tools and collaborative environment they need to shape the next era of scientific discovery and advance medicines that improve human health.”
Political and Economic Context
The investment comes as President Donald Trump threatens to impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S., a move aimed at encouraging drugmakers to reshore production. Over the past decade, domestic drug manufacturing has sharply declined, raising national security concerns about reliance on overseas supply chains.
The FDA recently launched a program to speed up the timeline for building new plants, which can otherwise take five to ten years, a delay the White House has labeled “unacceptable.”
A String of U.S. Investments
Amgen’s latest project is part of a broader wave of domestic expansion:
- April 2025: Announced a $900 million expansion of its biotech manufacturing facility in Ohio.
- December 2024: Committed $1 billion to build a second drug substance plant in Holly Springs, North Carolina.
- Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amgen has invested nearly $5 billion in direct U.S. capital expenditures.
Why It Matters
Amgen’s $600 million bet highlights how pharmaceutical companies are responding to both policy pressure and market opportunity. By strengthening domestic R&D and production capacity, the company not only insulates itself from trade risks but also bolsters the U.S. biotech ecosystem—an increasingly critical factor in global healthcare and national security.
