Astellas Pharma opens $90m innovation center in South San Francisco

Astellas Pharma Inc. has inaugurated a new $90 million, state-of-the-art center at 480 Forbes Boulevard in South San Francisco, California. This 154,000-square-foot laboratory and office complex is a significant expansion of the company’s commitment to the vibrant biotech ecosystem of South San Francisco and serves as a central hub for its West Coast operations.

The new West Coast Innovation Center is designed to consolidate Astellas’ various Bay Area entities, including Astellas Gene Therapies, Xyphos Biosciences, Business Development, and Rx+® Business Accelerator. By centralizing its operations, Astellas aims to enhance collaboration and productivity among its teams. Yoshitsugu Shitaka, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Astellas, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility: “I am excited to see Astellas open a state-of-the-art West Coast Innovation Center in South San Francisco, one of the most prestigious biotechnology centers in the world. By bringing together our Bay Area businesses, we will foster even greater collaboration and productivity, enabling us to advance our efforts in delivering innovative new treatments and value to patients around the world.”

The Astellas West Coast Innovation Center officially opened to employees in December 2023, with additional amenities such as an on-site cafeteria and auditorium scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024. The facility boasts a high-tech lab that provides scientists with a fully modular, moveable, and flexible workspace designed to support dynamic innovation. This adaptable environment is pivotal for facilitating seamless integration across teams and scaling operations for critical initiatives.

The establishment of this innovation center not only underscores Astellas’ dedication to fostering cutting-edge research and development but also signifies a boon for the local economy by creating a central location for its workforce previously scattered across multiple Bay Area sites. The strategic placement in South San Francisco, a renowned global biotech hub, positions Astellas to attract top talent and maintain a competitive edge in the pharmaceutical industry.