CARLSBAD, California – In a significant move to expand access to a cutting-edge class of cancer treatments global pharmaceutical leader Novartis has opened a new, 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Carlsbad, California dedicated to producing radioligand therapies (RLTs).
The new plant is a critical component of Novartis’s strategy to meet growing demand for its precision cancer medicines and strengthen the resilience of its US supply chain. It has been filed with the FDA as an additional point of supply, with commercial production set to begin upon regulatory approval.
A Pioneering Approach to Targeted Cancer Treatment
Radioligand therapy is a form of precision medicine that works by combining a tumor-targeting molecule with a therapeutic radioactive particle. This “guided missile” approach delivers radiation directly to cancer cells, aiming to destroy them while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, described RLT as a “breakthrough we’ve unlocked at scale.” He emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, “The opening of our Carlsbad facility underscores our strong commitment to the US and dedication to bringing this pioneering treatment to patients across the country.”
Part of a Broader $50 Billion US Investment
The Carlsbad facility is just one piece of a much larger strategic investment by Novartis in the United States. The company has announced a plan to invest nearly $50 billion in its US operations over the next five years.
This expansive investment includes:
- Two additional RLT manufacturing facilities in Florida and Texas.
- Expansions of existing sites in North Carolina, Indiana, and New Jersey.
- Establishing a second global R&D hub in San Diego, California.
The initiative has received positive recognition from both regulatory and local community leaders, who highlighted the benefits of bringing advanced manufacturing and high-skilled jobs to the region.
