On March 21, 2025, AstraZeneca announced a $2.5 billion investment in Beijing to establish its sixth global strategic R&D centre and expand partnerships with Chinese biotech firms. The new R&D centre—AstraZeneca’s second in China after Shanghai—will focus on early-stage research and clinical development, supported by a new AI and data science lab within Beijing’s BioPark. The initiative is part of a broader partnership with the Beijing Municipal Government and includes agreements with Harbour BioMed (multi-specific antibodies), Syneron Bio (macro-cyclic peptides), and a joint venture with BioKangtai to develop and manufacture vaccines. AstraZeneca’s Beijing workforce is expected to grow to 1,700 employees.