Thousand Oaks, California, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Amgen is set to begin construction on a $600 million research and development facility in Thousand Oaks, California, focusing on next-generation drug discovery. The R&D center will promote collaboration among researchers and engineers but will not serve as a manufacturing site. This investment responds to supply chain challenges and aligns with rising demands in the biomanufacturing sector, where over $270 billion is projected to be invested by major drugmakers in the U.S. by 2025.
California
Amgen is set to begin construction on a new $600 million research and development facility in Thousand Oaks, California, aiming to enhance its capabilities in next-generation drug discovery. The company plans to break ground on the project in the third quarter of this year.
The new R&D center will be a consolidated space for Amgen’s researchers, engineers, and scientists, focusing on providing advanced tools for scientific discovery. It is important to note that the facility will not serve as a drug manufacturing site but will foster collaboration and innovation within the company’s biotechnology efforts.
Headquartered in Thousand Oaks, Amgen already manages nearly 2 million square feet of biotech space in the surrounding Conejo Valley, located approximately 40 miles west of Los Angeles. This investment comes as Amgen responds to domestic supply chain pressures and rising U.S. import tariffs by increasing its local research and production capabilities.
Rising Demand for Biomanufacturing
The biomanufacturing sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, with 15 major drugmakers collectively announcing over $270 billion in investment projects within the United States for the year 2025. This surge represents a 185% increase in demand for biomanufacturing resources, according to commercial real estate firm JLL. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has also implemented significant expansions, adding over half a million square feet of lab space in the first half of this year.
In recent announcements, Amgen has revealed plans for other major investments, including 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. These developments align with the current trend in the pharmaceutical industry, where several other companies, including AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novartis, have also committed to substantial investments in the U.S.
Regulatory Support and Industry Response
Facilitating these investments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced initiatives aimed at streamlining the approval process for new drug manufacturing sites in the U.S. Furthermore, the White House is working to reduce the construction timelines for pharmaceutical facilities, which have historically taken around 10 years to complete.
Amgen credits the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for driving these domestic investments and is optimistic that forthcoming legislation will further enhance growth opportunities. The company’s CEO has highlighted that this latest investment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the U.S. drug supply chain and bolster domestic scientific research and innovation.
Reshoring Pharmaceutical Production
Amgen’s expansion aligns with national policies encouraging the return of pharmaceutical production to American soil. This shift comes amid increasing concerns about foreign dependency in the healthcare sector, prompting many companies to focus on reshoring critical production and research activities back to the U.S.
FAQs
What is Amgen planning to do in Thousand Oaks, California?
Amgen is planning to construct a new $600 million research and development facility focusing on next-generation drug discovery.
When will construction start?
Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of the year.
Will the new facility be used for drug manufacturing?
No, the facility will not be used for drug manufacturing. It aims to foster collaboration among researchers, engineers, and scientists.
What are the current trends in the biomanufacturing sector?
In 2025, major drugmakers are projected to invest over $270 billion in U.S. projects, marking a 185% increase in biomanufacturing demand.
What legislative support is impacting these investments?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has been cited as a key driver for these domestic investments, with expectations that new legislation will continue to support growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fierce Biotech: Amgen’s $600M R&D Site in California
- Wikipedia: Amgen
- BioPharma Dive: Amgen’s New Center
- Google Search: Amgen investment
- CoStar: Amgen’s California Hub Expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Biomanufacturing
- Reuters: Amgen’s Ohio Biotech Plant Expansion
- Google News: Amgen biotechnology
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange 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 major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
