LONDON: AstraZeneca has announced plans to open a new site at the heart of the Cambridge, MA, life sciences and innovation hub. It will be a strategic R&D centre for AstraZeneca, as well as Alexion’s new corporate headquarters. AstraZeneca is working with BXP (NYSE:BXP) on development of the new site.
The site will bring together approximately 1,500 R&D, commercial and corporate colleagues into a single purpose-built space in Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA.
The site, scheduled for completion in 2026, will be in close proximity to several major academic, pharma and biotech institutions, inspiring greater collaboration and innovation potential, and providing access to future talent.
The move reinforces AstraZeneca’s commitment to the greater Boston area, with over 570,000 square feet of R&D and commercial space, and room for expansion for the future.
Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca, said: “Today’s announcement is a milestone moment following the acquisition of Alexion in July 2021. Our combined company has already successfully leveraged internal scientific synergies, and this move will act as a catalyst for even more external collaboration and innovation.
“Kendall Square, Cambridge, is at the heart of the life sciences and innovation hub of the greater Boston area, and our new site will put us right at the centre of this space. The move will provide access to some of the most innovative partners in academia and biotech, offering opportunities to accelerate our growth and collaborate with like-minded organisations as we continue to push the boundaries of science to deliver advances for patients.”
In line with AstraZeneca’s commitment to leading in sustainability, the aim is for the new site to have platinum Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the highest level of certification.
Alexion’s R&D center of excellence will remain in New Haven, Connecticut. Alexion recently signed a lease to expand that campus as well, which will double Alexion’s lab floor space in New Haven by the end of 2023.