AstraZeneca Invests Additional $136 Million to Expand Respiratory Drug Production in Qingdao

Qingdao Daily/Guanhai News, November 5th: Guanhai News learned from the Qingdao High-tech Zone Management Committee that at today's opening of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Qingdao High-tech Zone and AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, have once again joined hands to sign an investment agreement for the expansion of production and supply of respiratory drugs. This marks the third consecutive year that AstraZeneca has increased its investment in Qingdao High-tech Zone since the official signing of the investment agreement in March 2023, fully demonstrating its high recognition and firm confidence in the development environment and industrial ecosystem of Qingdao High-tech Zone.

According to the agreement, AstraZeneca will invest an additional approximately US$136 million in the existing 80-mu project site, adding a new filling production line primarily for the manufacture of inhalation products used to treat respiratory diseases, such as "Breztri Aerosphere." The project is expected to commence construction in 2027, with equipment installation completed and entering the verification phase by 2030. Production will begin once approval is obtained, further strengthening AstraZeneca's product supply capabilities in the field of respiratory diseases both in China and globally.

As a Fortune 500 company, AstraZeneca has always been committed to innovative R&D in key therapeutic areas such as oncology, respiratory, and immunology. In 2024, its global revenue exceeded $54 billion, maintaining its leading position in China. This signing is not only an important step for AstraZeneca in deepening its localization strategy in China but also another achievement for Qingdao in advancing high-level opening-up and focusing on building a highland for the biopharmaceutical industry.

Three consecutive years of capital increase not only represents the continuation of AstraZeneca's strategic layout but also serves as strong evidence of Qingdao’s ongoing efforts to optimize its business environment and enhance service efficiency. According to the Qingdao High-tech Zone Management Committee, adhering to the service philosophy of "growing together with enterprises," Qingdao High-tech Zone has been fully committed to accelerating project implementation, production, and results through dedicated task forces and expedited approval processes. (Reported by Wang Meng, Qingdao Daily/Guanhai News, correspondent Li Qingjian)

Editor: Jingwen Lü

(Author: Wang Meng)