**Roche has announced the launch of a new cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CVRM) hub at Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) in Allston, US.**
The Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston will house experts from Roche and its Genentech subsidiary to establish a “significant end-to-end research and development presence in CVRM”.
The site will also bring together specialists to support some of Roche and Genentech’s efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science to accelerate drug discovery and development.
Roche will be the first to join the ERC, located adjacent to Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex and near Harvard Business School.
The first phase of construction on the ERC, which has been designed to encourage innovation and collaboration, is expected to be complete in 2026.
Starting with a lease of 30,000 square feet, Roche’s laboratories will be equipped for advanced research and the centre could eventually employ up to 500 people, the company said, adding that it will be “leveraging local talent” from the Boston area.
Thomas Schinecker, Roche’s chief executive officer, said: “By investing in a new CVRM centre of excellence, along with data science and AI capabilities at this strategic location, we aim to accelerate Roche and Genentech’s research efforts and leverage the Boston innovation ecosystem.
“Roche has a significant presence in the US and this new centre is one of a number of research and manufacturing investments that Roche is making in the US through Genentech and Diagnostics.”
Roche said the investment “highlights \[its\] dedication to advancing healthcare through academic and scientific collaboration” and strengthens its existing relationship with Harvard, which has been in place for “well over a decade”.
Alan Garber, president of Harvard University, said: “In a region grounded in innovation in the sciences and health, when leading biomedical companies and research universities work together, breakthroughs follow. We are delighted that the Roche Genentech Innovation Center will launch the first phase of the ERC.
“Building on an already strong and extensive partnership, the new centre will bring new talent and new opportunities to pursue our shared commitment to discovery for the advancement of human health.”