Eli Lilly and Pasadena-Based Alexandria Launch New Biotech Hub in San Diego’s Torrey Pines

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., headquartered in downtown Pasadena, has partnered with Eli Lilly and Company to open a new Lilly Gateway Labs facility at the One Alexandria Square Megacampus in San Diego’s Torrey Pines neighborhood, the company announced.

The new site is designed to accelerate the development of life-saving medicines and marks the fourth Gateway Labs location launched by Lilly, and the third within Alexandria properties. It joins existing hubs in South San Francisco and Boston, where more than 50 therapeutics and platforms are currently in development.

The Gateway Labs model is described by Alexandria as “an important engine for biomedical innovation,” addressing the fact that “over 90% of diseases lack approved medicines.”

“This partnership embodies our shared mission to accelerate the trajectory of disruptive early-stage biotech companies and foster critical collaboration between innovative biotechs and large pharma,” said Hallie E. Kuhn, senior vice president and co-lead of life science and capital markets at Alexandria.

The San Diego facility features modular laboratory spaces, advanced microscopy and sequencing tools, and operational support services including dedicated building security, concierge services, and strategic programming. It is housed in a LEED Gold certified, all-electric building and opens with a cohort of venture-backed biotech companies focused on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and oncology.

Alexandria draws attention to the site’s proximity to a dense concentration of renowned research institutions including the Salk Institute, Sanford Burnham Prebys, Scripps Research, and UC San Diego. The company also spotlights new placemaking amenities at the Megacampus—such as a nutritious grab-and-go café with garden seating, a full-service restaurant, large event lawn, high-tech meeting venues, and a restorative walking path—intended to attract and retain top talent.

Alexandria pioneered life science real estate in San Diego in 1994 and, as of June 30, reported a total market capitalization of $25.7 billion and a North American asset base of 39.7 million rentable square feet. Its venture capital arm, Alexandria Venture Investments, is also involved in the Gateway Labs initiative and is part of Lilly’s broader venture network.