Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has unveiled plans to invest $4.5 billion in two new manufacturing facilities in Virginia, marking the company’s largest-ever investment. The project is expected to create approximately 600 direct jobs and an additional 3,000 indirect positions.

The announcement highlights the company’s commitment to advancing life sciences innovation and economic growth. “This investment will create 600 new high-paying jobs focused on chronic disease care and prevention, benefiting both the economy and public health,” stated Rep. John McGuire (R-VA).

AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot emphasized the strategic importance of Virginia’s infrastructure and workforce, calling it a “perfect location” for the facilities. He noted that the project would strengthen national security and health sovereignty. “We have found in Virginia an amazing team that moves at incredible speed to build a better future,” Soriot said.

The investment includes a $500 million increase to enhance manufacturing capabilities, with AstraZeneca also expanding plans to produce blockbuster cancer medicines, weight-loss drugs, and metabolic treatments. The company will be eligible for up to $191.3 million in state funding, contingent on legislative approval, tied to job creation at its chronic disease facility. A separate grant from Virginia’s Opportunity Fund will support the cancer-therapy site.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin praised the project as a “game-changer” for American drug manufacturing, citing the state’s competitive advantages in biotech and advanced manufacturing. Local officials hailed the initiative as transformative for Albemarle County, with Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Andrews calling it a “transformative investment” that will provide high-quality jobs.

The project’s rapid development—from initial discussions to finalization in 33 days—was attributed to Virginia’s business-friendly programs, including the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program and the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. Senior Trump administration health official Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, praised AstraZeneca’s decision, urging other foreign manufacturers to follow suit.