CARLSBAD – Novartis, a pharmaceutical giant and leader in radiotherapy, is investing over $200 million to further bolster its radiotherapy infrastructure with a brand-new facility in Carlsbad.
Novartis executives said it is investing more than $40 million in the Carlsbad facility, which will be approximately 10,000 square feet. The company also said it will help create more than 30 local jobs.
U.S. President
Novartis
“We are investing in our supply chain capabilities today to ensure that we are prepared to consistently deliver these complex treatments to the growing number of eligible patients in the long-term,” said Victor Bulto, Novartis’ U.S. president.
Leader in Radiotherapy
Founded in 1996, Novartis is the leading producer of radiopharmaceuticals or radioligand therapies, and emerging type of cancer treatment in which a potent dose of radioactive molecules is dispatched in drug development, leading to several acquisitions over the last year.
The company recently acquired Mariana Oncology, a preclinical radiotherapy biotech, for $1 billion upfront. The small firm’s lead candidate is an actinium-based radiotherapy being studied in small cell lung cancer.
In a separate deal potentially worth nearly $3 billion, Novartis is working with PeptiDream to design peptide-drug conjugates that use radionuclide payloads.
First Facility in San Diego
The new facility will be constructed in Carlsbad and will focus on radioligand therapy (RLT) manufacturing, a type of precision medicine that delivers radiation to targeted cells. The goal is to limit side effects on healthy cells when treating various cancers.
While early-stage companies face challenges in securing working capital for R&D expansion, established pharmaceutical firms are actively investing in and expanding their R&D capabilities, according to San Diego commercial real estate leaders.
Executive Director
JLL
“We are witnessing an unprecedented reinvestment in R&D facilities by the pharmaceutical industry, a trend not seen in over a decade,” said Chad Urie, Executive Managing Director at JLL. “The essence of the pharmaceutical sector lies in the discovery of new drugs and therapies, and cutting-edge R&D facilities enable companies to leverage the latest technologies and methodologies,” said Urie.
“By investing in these advanced facilities, companies can expedite their research processes, shorten the time-to-market for new drugs, and sustain a competitive advantage.”
Big Pharma Growing in North County
The Indianapolis facility is slated to be the first Novartis-owned isotope production source in the United States. The company will continue to partner with external isotope suppliers for the international market.
Managing Partner
Cardiff Advisory
In addition to the U.S. sites, Novartis operates radiotherapy facilities in Ivrea, Italy, and Zaragoza, Spain. The company recently broke ground on a site in China and is plotting another one in Japan.
“Novartis’ new radioligand therapy manufacturing facility in Carlsbad represents a significant investment in North County San Diego’s life sciences sector, bringing cutting-edge cancer treatment production to the region,” said David Crean, managing partner at Cardiff Advisory.
“This expansion not only creates new high-skilled job opportunities but also reinforces the area’s position as a hub for innovative medical research and development,” said Crean. “By establishing this state-of-the-art facility, Novartis is contributing to the local economy while potentially improving cancer care accessibility for patients on the West Coast.”
Novartis did not disclose the address for the new local facility.
Novartis
FOUNDED: 1996
PRESIDENT: Victor Bulto
HEADQUARTERS: Switzerland
EMPLOYEES: 76,000+
BUSINESS: Leading producer of radiopharmaceuticals
WEBSITE: www.novartis.com
NOTABLE: This is Novartis’ first U.S. manufacturing facility in California
