Novartis plans to invest over CNY3.3 billion (about $460-480 million) in China, with CNY1.5 billion for expanding its Beijing Changping factory to enhance innovative drug production including sterile preparation, liquid filling, and packaging.
The remaining investment will strengthen its R&D center in Shanghai's ZhangJiang Hi-Tech Park, which is Novartis' third-largest R&D center and Asia-Pacific hub.
Announcement made on March 23, 2026, at the China Development Forum by CEO Vas Narasimhan, who emphasized China's importance to Novartis' long-term development.
Beijing plant is Novartis' largest branded prescription drug production base in China and key in its global supply network.
Follows Eli Lilly's $3 billion pledge over a decade for production in China and AstraZeneca's over $15 billion through 2030 for drug production and R&D.