Amgen opened a new 245,000-square-foot research and development site today in San Francisco’s Oyster Point, marking another addition to the biotech giant’s presence in the Bay Area.
The centerpiece of the site is a nine-story building that will serve as a workplace for 650 staff representing 24 different functions. It is the company’s second-largest research and development facility and will be dedicated to discovering therapeutics for patients living with cancer, inflammatory disease and cardiometabolic disorders.
“For nearly two decades Amgen has been present in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region known for cutting-edge science and biotechnology innovation,” Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive of Amgen, said in a statement. “This new state-of-the-art facility further demonstrates our commitment to discovering and developing treatments for some of the world’s most serious and widespread diseases.”
The site features open workspaces and modular labs designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork. It also meets standards for environmental sustainability having been submitted for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and FitWel-certification, the latter of which is focused on certifications for occupant health.
“Our new site is home to a perfect combination of technology and biotech innovation, making Amgen an attractive place for local scientific professionals looking to build an inspirational, rewarding career,” Saptarsi Haldar, vice president of cardiometabolic research and site head for Amgen San Francisco, said in a statement.
Shares of Amgen closed down $2.88, or slightly more than a percent, to $230.94 on Thursday, a day when the market closed down a fraction of a percent.