CSPC Pharmaceutical Group and AstraZeneca have entered into an agreement to establish a joint venture that will build and operate a biologics drug substance manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang, China, expanding manufacturing capacity for global biologics supply.

Under the agreement, CSPC will hold a 51% ownership stake and AstraZeneca will own the remaining 49%. The companies will jointly oversee construction and operations of the facility, which will initially manufacture mutually agreed biologics drug substances for global markets. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

According to the companies, the joint venture will combine CSPC’s artificial intelligence-driven Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing system and operational capabilities with AstraZeneca’s global quality standards and supply chain expertise. The partners also plan to evaluate expanding the facility’s product portfolio as manufacturing capacity and commercial demand increase.

The agreement is the latest manufacturing investment supporting AstraZeneca’s broader expansion strategy in China.

Earlier this year, the company announced plans to build a commercial cell therapy manufacturing facility and research hub in Shanghai as part of its previously announced $15 billion investment in China through 2030, which includes expanding manufacturing, research, and supply chain capabilities across the country. Earlier plans also included expanding existing manufacturing sites in Beijing, Qingdao, Taizhou, and Wuxi, as well as establishing additional production facilities.