Roche commits US$ 50 billion to U.S. expansion in pharma and diagnostics​

SWITZERLAND – Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has announced a substantial $50 billion investment in the United States over the next five years, aiming to enhance its pharmaceutical and diagnostics operations across the country.

This initiative is projected to create over 12,000 jobs, including approximately 6,500 construction roles and 1,000 positions within new and expanded facilities. ​

The investment encompasses the development and enhancement of 15 research and development (R&D) centers and 13 manufacturing sites across various states, including California, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Oregon.

Notably, Roche plans to establish a gene therapy manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania and a new 900,000-square-foot plant dedicated to its growing portfolio of weight-loss medications, with the location yet to be disclosed. ​

In Indiana, the company intends to build a facility focused on continuous glucose monitoring, while Massachusetts will host a new R&D center specializing in artificial intelligence research, serving as a hub for Roche’s cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism research initiatives. ​

Roche’s CEO, Thomas Schinecker, emphasized that this investment underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation and manufacturing in the U.S., aiming to transform the country into a net exporter of Roche medicines. ​

This significant investment aligns with Roche’s strategy to bolster its presence in the U.S. market, where it currently employs over 25,000 individuals across 24 sites in eight states.

The expansion is also seen as a proactive measure in response to potential U.S. trade policies and tariffs that could impact pharmaceutical imports. ​

Roche’s announcement aligns with a broader trend of pharmaceutical companies expanding U.S. operations in response to trade policy uncertainties.

Other industry leaders, such as Novartis, Eli Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson, have also unveiled significant U.S. investment plans in recent months. ​

By enhancing its manufacturing and R&D capabilities within the U.S., Roche aims to strengthen the domestic healthcare infrastructure, improve access to innovative treatments, and contribute to the country’s economic growth through job creation and technological advancements.