Novartis Opens New Radioligand Therapy Manufacturing Plant in California as Part of $23 Billion US Expansion Plan
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Novartis, a global leader in innovative medicines, has opened a new 10,000-square-foot radioligand therapy (RLT) manufacturing plant in Carlsbad, California. The facility marks a major step in the company’s $23 billion investment to expand its infrastructure in the United States over the next five years.
The new plant enhances Novartis’ capacity to meet future demand for RLT and strengthens its supply chain network. It has been submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an additional point of supply, with commercial production to begin once regulatory approval is granted.
Radioligand therapies are a form of precision medicine that link a tumour-targeting molecule with a therapeutic radioisotope to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, while reducing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. Each RLT dose is custom-made and time-sensitive, making proximity to treatment centres and transport hubs vital for timely patient delivery.
The Carlsbad site is Novartis’ third RLT manufacturing plant in the US and is purpose-built to produce its FDA-approved therapies, with space for future expansion. The opening reinforces the company’s global leadership in radioligand technology and its expertise in development, production, and patient delivery.
In addition to Carlsbad, Novartis is advancing several projects across the US, including:
- Two more RLT manufacturing plants in Florida and Texas.
- Expansion of existing facilities in Durham (North Carolina), Indianapolis (Indiana), and Millburn (New Jersey).
- Establishment of a second global R&D hub in San Diego, California, focused on biomedical research and innovation.
These initiatives are part of Novartis’ long-term plan to strengthen its US presence and boost domestic manufacturing. The company expects to invest around $50 billion in its US operations over the next five years, reflecting its ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and patient access nationwide.
Source: globenewswire.com
