Driving Province’s Leadership in Life Sciences;
Invest Ontario supports $820 million investment in Mississauga to advance global clinical studies with AI and digital health technologies
Invest Ontario is partnering with AstraZeneca to expand the company’s global R&D hub in Mississauga. This $820 million investment underscores Ontario’s growing prominence in the life sciences sector and will create more than 700 highly skilled jobs focused on advancing life-saving medicines.
Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), computational pathology, and digital health technologies, the expanded operations will strengthen AstraZeneca’s R&D capabilities and enhance clinical trial design in oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases.
“AstraZeneca’s continued investment in Ontario is crucial to advancing innovative medicines that treat, prevent, and may one day cure complex diseases like prostate, lung, and breast cancer, as well as rare diseases,” said Gaby Bourbara, President of AstraZeneca Canada. “Canada, and specifically Ontario, offers a wealth of skilled talent and a robust network of world-class hospitals, universities, laboratories, and research centres. Collaborations like today’s with Invest Ontario reflect our shared commitment to strengthening the province’s life sciences strategy, driving economic growth, and fostering innovation that benefits patients in Canada and globally.”
The integration of advanced technologies like AI have been transforming medical innovation and healthcare delivery around the world. Ontario’s scientific talent pool, world-class research infrastructure, and leadership in AI development make it an ideal location for AstraZeneca to expand their R&D operations.
Already a strategic clinical hub for AstraZeneca globally, the Mississauga facility currently employs approximately 1,500 people and is leading more than 210 global clinical studies. This expansion will enhance the use of data to better inform trials, speed recruitment, create better models, and improve patient experience and clinical outcomes.
“AstraZeneca’s investment is fantastic news for Ontario and a testament to the remarkable talent, innovation, and opportunities our province offers,” said the Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “We are proud to support this expansion, which will create hundreds of highly skilled jobs and further solidify Ontario’s position as a global leader in life sciences and innovation.”
Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem is the largest in Canada and continues to grow, generating nearly 60% of the country’s revenue in the sector. Since 2018, the province has attracted over $6 billion in new life sciences investments.
Last October, the province launched Phase 2 of its sector strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level. The strategy has set ambitious goals to advance R&D, strengthen biomanufacturing capacity, and accelerate commercialization to establish Ontario as a global biomanufacturing and life sciences hub.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, Ontario continues to be at the forefront of life sciences innovation,” said the Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “AstraZeneca’s investment will not only support economic growth in Mississauga but reinforce Ontario’s position as a premier destination for domestic and international life science companies to advance their research and drive medical breakthroughs.”
AstraZeneca Canada has been one of the country’s leading R&D contributors. The company’s continued growth in Ontario also fosters partnerships with local universities, hospitals and research centres, and other life sciences companies, bolstering the province’s innovation ecosystem.
Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, this investment will be supported with a $16.1 million grant through the Invest Ontario Fund. In addition, Invest Ontario has provided the company with site selection services, market intelligence, and immigration support to streamline the investment process.
“AstraZeneca’s continued investment recognizes Ontario’s strength as a life sciences ecosystem and experienced talent needed for global innovative companies,” said Jennifer Block, Interim CEO of Invest Ontario. “We are proud to support AstraZeneca in harnessing AI and data to drive medical breakthroughs and improve healthcare outcomes for patients around the world.”
Invest Ontario is committed to supporting catalytic investments like AstraZeneca’s, which will have a lasting impact on the province’s economy and contribute to Ontario’s competitiveness as a leader in life sciences innovation.
For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit www.investontario.ca.
About Invest Ontario
Invest Ontario is the dedicated agency for investment attraction in the province. We serve as global businesses’ partner and one-window access to Ontario, providing expertise and tailored services throughout their investment journey. With a focus on the advanced manufacturing, life sciences and technology sectors, we are committed to securing strategic investments that create jobs, generate returns to the province and drive Ontario’s long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.
About AstraZeneca Canada
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a focus on the discovery, development, and commercialization of medicines that transform lives, with a core scientific focus in the areas of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic (CVRM) disease; Oncology; Rare Disease; Respiratory & Immunology; and Vaccine & Immune Therapies. AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.
The company employs more than 2,100 people across Canada, and recently announced a major expansion of its Mississauga-based Research & Development Hub and the creation of a new Alexion Development Hub focused on rare diseases. The company is one of Canada’s leading R&D contributors, investing $230M in Canadian R&D in 2023. To learn more visit www.astrazeneca.ca
