Amgen and Gilead Sciences have announced major expansions in California, bringing nearly $1.5 billion in new investments to the state’s life sciences sector. Governor Gavin Newsom said these projects will create thousands of jobs and further strengthen California’s position as a leader in biotechnology research and innovation.
“California has long been a global leader in life sciences innovation, powered by a skilled workforce that continues to deliver groundbreaking discoveries. These new investments will create good-paying jobs while fueling the next generation of research and shaping the future of medicine,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Earlier this month, Amgen revealed plans for a $600 million expansion at its global headquarters in Thousand Oaks. The development includes a new research center that will add to the company’s Ventura County workforce of 5,500 employees. The facility is intended to bring together researchers, engineers, and scientists from different fields to advance scientific discovery and human health.
Gilead Sciences also broke ground on a new pharmaceutical development and manufacturing center at its Foster City campus. This project is part of an $847 million investment that is expected to be completed by 2029. The expansion aims to support nearly 2,500 jobs and contribute $227 million annually to the region’s gross domestic product.
California’s life sciences sector continues to lead nationally, contributing $396 billion in economic output statewide in 2024. There are over 17,200 establishments supporting more than 1.15 million jobs across the state, with about 452,000 directly employed in life sciences roles. Manufacturing positions account for more than 31% of this workforce, placing California ahead of other states such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Venture capital investment into California life science companies surpassed $63 billion last year—more than any other state—and companies exported $8.3 billion worth of pharmaceuticals and medical products during that time period.
The state has introduced career pathway initiatives designed to provide access to good-paying jobs both with and without college degrees as part of the California Jobs First initiative. In addition, universities and private companies continue investing in biotech research; the state allocated $55 million from higher education R&D budgets into this industry.
California institutions have received one out of every four U.S. Nobel Prizes in science and have produced more Nobel laureates than any country except the United States itself.
The broader economic impact includes California maintaining its status as the world’s fourth-largest economy with record-high tourism spending and continued growth in population. The state remains first nationwide for business starts, venture capital funding access, manufacturing output, high-tech activity, and agricultural production.
