Novartis has announced plans for a significant investment exceeding RMB 3.3 billion (USD 480 million) to expand its research, development, production, and operational presence in China. The investment will include approximately RMB 1.5 billion for the upgrade and expansion of its manufacturing facility in Changping, which will introduce new sterile production, liquid filling and packaging technologies. A further RMB 1.8 billion, in partnership with other investors, will fund the second phase of its Shanghai campus, the location of its China headquarters.

China is now Novartis's second-largest global market. The company intends to leverage this investment to increase its clinical trial footprint in the country, accelerating the development of its global pipeline, and to pursue more early-stage business development opportunities with innovative local biotech firms. Since 2024, Novartis has entered partnerships with multiple Chinese companies, representing a potential total investment of over RMB 80 billion (USD 11.6 billion), to bring innovative therapies in cardiovascular, oncology, renal, and neurological diseases to more patients.

According to PharmCube's NextBiopharm® database, the company holds 145 drug registrations in China, which is comparable to the 161 products launched in Europe. Click here to request a free trial for NextBiopharm®.