AbbVie has expanded its UK R&D operations with a new 12,000 sqft facility in Oxford, as part of more than £120m invested and committed to scientific research, academic collaborations and talent development across the UK.
The new site, known as AbbVie Oxford, will strengthen the company's research capabilities across immunology, neuroscience and oncology, combining specialist biotechnology expertise with the resources of its global R&D network.
The expansion builds on AbbVie's 2022 acquisition of Oxford-founded biotech DJS Antibodies for approximately $255m, with the deal bringing its antibody discovery capabilities and existing research team into the pharma group's operations.
DJS Antibodies was established in 2014 and specialised in developing antibody medicines targeting difficult-to-drug proteins.
Its lead programme, DJS-002, targeted the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) for potential applications in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic diseases.
Supporting a growing drug development pipeline
The Oxford expansion comes as AbbVie continues to develop its pipeline across several therapeutic areas.
Its latest reported pipeline comprises around 90 compounds, devices and indications in development, with about 60 programmes in mid- and late-stage development.
The portfolio includes investigational treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, neurological disorders and several cancers.
AbbVie invested $13.8bn in global R&D last year, underscoring the importance of developing new medicines to support long-term growth and diversify its portfolio.
In the UK, the company employs more than 1100 people across its Oxford, Maidenhead and Marlow locations and engages with more than 100 universities and research organisations annually.
Existing academic partnerships include research with the University of Oxford investigating how patients with inflammatory conditions respond to different treatments at molecular and clinical levels.
AbbVie also funds a postdoctoral research programme examining the biological drivers of inflammatory diseases.
UK life sciences investment gathers momentum
The investment adds to a wider wave of pharmaceutical R&D commitments in the UK.
According to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the sector attracted an additional £2bn in investment commitments between September 2025 and September 2026, spanning drug discovery, clinical research and medicines manufacturing.
Other major commitments include UCB's £500m investment in a new R&D and early manufacturing hub in Windlesham, Surrey, plus AstraZeneca's £300m backing for its UK operations.
AbbVie said the Oxford expansion would help strengthen collaboration across the UK's life sciences ecosystem, bringing together academic expertise, clinical research and scientific talent to advance potential new treatments for patients.
