Two of California’s largest biotechnology companies, Amgen and Gilead Sciences, have announced nearly $1.5 billion in new research and development facilities. The projects, highlighted by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 15, 2025, are expected to create thousands of jobs and reinforce California’s position as a leader in life sciences.
According to the Governor’s Office, Amgen will invest $600 million to expand its global headquarters in Thousand Oaks, while Gilead Sciences will spend $847 million on a new pharmaceutical development and manufacturing center in Foster City. Together, these commitments represent one of the largest private sector investments in California’s biotech sector this year.
What the Expansions Include
Amgen’s investment will fund a new research center at its Ventura County headquarters. The facility is designed to bring together scientists, engineers, and researchers across disciplines to accelerate the discovery of new medicines. The company already employs more than 5,500 people in the region, and the expansion is expected to add hundreds of new positions.
Gilead Sciences has broken ground on a new pharmaceutical development and manufacturing center in Foster City. The project, part of an $847 million expansion of its campus, is scheduled for completion in 2029. Once operational, the facility is expected to support nearly 2,500 jobs and contribute an estimated $227 million annually to California’s economy, according to Hoodline.
Both projects are designed to strengthen California’s role in biotechnology by expanding research capacity and increasing the state’s ability to manufacture advanced medicines.
Why California Remains a Biotech Leader
California has long been a hub for life sciences, supported by its universities, research institutions, and access to venture capital. In 2024, the state’s life sciences sector contributed $396 billion in economic output and directly employed more than 450,000 workers.
The expansions by Amgen and Gilead highlight the state’s continued dominance in the field. According to the Governor’s Office, California companies attracted more than $63 billion in venture capital for life sciences in 2024, far more than any other state. The sector also leads the nation in pharmaceutical exports and medical equipment manufacturing.
Governor Newsom described the new investments as a sign of confidence in California’s workforce and innovation capacity. “These new investments will create good‑paying jobs while fueling the next generation of research and shaping the future of medicine,” he said in a statement.
What This Means for Jobs and the Economy
The expansions are expected to create thousands of jobs across research, engineering, and manufacturing. Amgen’s new research center will add to its existing workforce in Ventura County, while Gilead’s Foster City project will support both construction jobs during development and permanent positions once the facility is complete.
The economic impact extends beyond direct employment. Local suppliers, contractors, and service providers are likely to benefit from the projects. The state estimates that Gilead’s expansion alone will contribute $227 million annually to California’s gross domestic product once operational.
These investments also align with the California Jobs First initiative, which aims to create career pathways in high‑growth industries. By expanding opportunities in biotechnology, the state is supporting both skilled professionals and workers without advanced degrees who can enter the sector through manufacturing and technical roles.
Looking Ahead
The expansions by Amgen and Gilead reinforce California’s position as the nation’s leading biotech hub. With more than 17,000 life sciences establishments across the state, the sector is expected to continue driving economic growth and scientific innovation.
For residents, the benefits will be seen in new job opportunities, stronger local economies, and continued access to cutting‑edge medical research. For the industry, the projects provide long‑term stability and capacity to meet growing global demand for advanced medicines.
As construction progresses in Thousand Oaks and Foster City, California’s role in shaping the future of biotechnology appears secure. The state’s combination of talent, investment, and infrastructure continues to make it a destination for companies seeking to expand research and development.
