AstraZeneca plans to build a commercial cell therapy manufacturing base in the Lin-gang Special Area of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone to supply autologous CAR-T therapies like AZD0120 to China and Asia.127
A new innovation center in Zhangjiang High-Tech Park will focus on early-stage research, viral vector development, analytical testing, clinical batch production, and registration support.125
This makes AstraZeneca the first multinational pharma with end-to-end cell therapy capabilities in China, part of a $15 billion investment pledge through 2030.12
Announcement made on March 19, 2026, aligning with recent China formulary inclusion of CAR-T products and UK-Shanghai collaboration.14
AstraZeneca generated $6.7 billion in China revenue in 2025 and operates existing R&D centers and manufacturing bases there.1
Sources:
1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/pharma/astrazeneca-build-cell-therapy-manufacturing-hub-rd-center-shanghai
2. https://www.biospace.com/business/astrazeneca-building-shanghai-production-plant-to-support-cell-therapy-strategy
4. https://www.ainvest.com/news/astrazeneca-plans-cell-therapy-manufacturing-innovation-hub-shanghai-2603/
5. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/astrazeneca-cell-therapy-china-shanghai-biotech/815159/