Biogen is doubling down on North Carolina. In a major economic development announcement, the global biotechnology leader will invest $2 billion to expand its manufacturing footprint in Research Triangle Park (RTP), strengthening the state’s position as a top-tier life sciences hub and creating new real estate opportunities across Wake and Durham counties.
Biogen’s Expansion: $2 Billion, Advanced Manufacturing, and a Growing Workforce
Biogen, a global leader in neurological and autoimmune disease treatments, will expand its RTP operations by building an eighth facility and enhancing existing manufacturing capacity. This latest investment supports:
- Advanced automation and AI-driven production systems
- Gene-targeting therapies and fill-finish operations
- Pipeline delivery for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, and more
Biogen already employs over 1,500 people (plus 400 contractors) in the Triangle and has invested $10 billion in the region to date. This move ensures the company can meet demand, innovate faster, and adapt to changing pharmaceutical trade policies.
Why Did Biogen Increase Their Investment in RTP?
Biogen’s decision to invest another $2 billion in Research Triangle Park is a powerful vote of confidence in North Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem—and it wasn’t made lightly.
The company cited multiple strategic reasons for choosing to expand in RTP:
- 30-Year Legacy: RTP has been home to Biogen for three decades. The company already has a deep footprint in the region, with more than 1,500 employees and significant infrastructure in place. Building on that foundation allows Biogen to scale efficiently.
- Talent Pipeline: The Triangle is anchored by world-class universities like Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State. This academic network produces a steady stream of biotech, pharmaceutical, and engineering talent, essential for supporting advanced manufacturing and R&D.
- Supply Chain Resilience: With potential global trade disruptions and tariff concerns, expanding domestic production capacity gives Biogen more control over its supply chain—particularly for therapies that rely on precision manufacturing and rapid scaling.
- Regulatory and Operational Stability: North Carolina offers a business-friendly environment with predictable regulation, strong utility infrastructure, and a state-level commitment to biotech growth—making it a reliable location for long-term investment.
- Innovation Synergy: RTP is home to hundreds of life sciences companies and research institutions. Biogen’s expansion benefits from this proximity, allowing collaboration, shared services, and accelerated innovation.
Taken together, these factors made RTP the clear choice for the next phase of Biogen’s growth—a decision that underscores the region’s rising status as a global biotech powerhouse.
Biotech Growth Across the Triangle
Biogen’s expansion is part of a much larger trend. RTP and surrounding areas are seeing a wave of biotech and life sciences investment:
- Amgen opened a new biologics manufacturing facility in Holly Springs
- Eli Lilly is investing over $1 billion in RTP-area operations
- Pfizer continues expanding its Sanford gene therapy site
- Novo Nordisk, GSK, and Grifols have longstanding Triangle operations
These companies are fueling demand for lab space, workforce housing, and retail amenities near employment hubs.
Where the Growth Will Be Felt: Real Estate Implications
Biogen’s expansion is centered in Research Triangle Park, but the impact radiates well beyond.
📍 Cities & Towns Positioned to Benefit:
- Durham – already home to Biogen facilities and adjacent to RTP
- Morrisville – a key access point to RTP and Raleigh-Durham Airport
- Cary – attracts highly educated professionals and has strong multifamily demand
- Chapel Hill – bolstered by UNC and its research talent pipeline
- Raleigh (western edge) – poised for mixed-use development near I‑40
🏘️ Counties to Watch:
- Durham County – will see direct employment and infrastructure benefits
- Wake County – continues to grow as a residential and retail magnet for biotech talent
- Chatham County – increasingly viewed as an affordable, growth-adjacent housing market
🏢 Real Estate Opportunity:
With biotech jobs comes demand for:
- Modern apartments near transit and employment centers
- Neighborhood shopping centers serving high-income professionals
- Live-work-play communities that align with biotech’s campus culture
This announcement further solidifies the Triangle as a life sciences powerhouse—and a smart place for long-term real estate investment.
Sources
- Reuters – Biogen beefs up North Carolina manufacturing ahead of potential drug tariff storm
- Axios – Biogen to invest $2B in RTP
- ABC11 – Biogen expanding operations in North Carolina
Eddie Coleman, CCIM, is the Principal Investment Officer at NC Capital Group. With over 40 years of experience in Commercial Real Estate in North Carolina and South Carolina, his experience spans multifamily, retail, office, historic adaptation, etc. In addition to advising clients and brokering transactions, he has extensive knowledge of North Carolina through experience in corporate site acquisition, development, capitalization, HUD financing, etc. He holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.