Roche Invests 2.04 Billion Yuan in China

On May 8, the launch ceremony for Roche Pharmaceuticals China's new biopharmaceutical production base investment project was held at the Zhangjiang Science Hall. Roche Pharmaceuticals China announced an investment of 2.04 billion yuan to establish a new biopharmaceutical production facility in Shanghai, aiming to strengthen its supply chain and localization strategy in China.

The new project is located in Zhangjiang Science City, covering about 53 mu (approximately 35,333 square meters), with a building area of around 25,000 square meters. The facility is expected to be completed by 2029 and commence operations in 2031. Roche will incorporate sustainable development principles into the construction and operation of the new base, which will utilize internationally advanced manufacturing technologies and run entirely on green electricity.

The base will be used for the localized production of Vabysmo? (faricimab injection), addressing the growing demand for innovative therapies among Chinese patients. Vabysmo? is the world's first approved bispecific antibody drug for ophthalmology and has been included in China's national medical insurance, offering an innovative treatment option for patients with retinal diseases and contributing to the high-quality development of eye health in China.

Once completed, the new biopharmaceutical production facility will become Roche Pharmaceuticals' second innovative drug production base in China. It will work in synergy with the existing production base at the China regional headquarters, located just a few hundred meters away, to jointly provide innovative medicines for Chinese patients.

Roche was the first multinational pharmaceutical company to set up operations in Zhangjiang Science City in 1994. In 1997, the production workshop at its Shanghai headquarters campus was completed and began operations. In 2005, Roche built a high-potency production workshop in China. For over 20 years, this production base has strictly followed GMP standards to ensure a controlled production environment and meet the demand for high-quality medicines in China.

In 2024, Roche localized the production of its innovative anti-influenza drug Xofluza? (baloxavir marboxil), enabling a rapid response to the needs of Chinese influenza patients during flu seasons. Over the past 30 years, Roche has continuously developed, upgraded, and improved its full industry chain, including early-stage research, drug development, production, marketing, and open collaboration, making lasting contributions to the long-term development of China’s biopharmaceutical industry and public health.