Roche, a pharmaceutical giant from Switzerland, launched a new project on May 8 to build a biopharmaceutical production base in Shanghai's Pudong New Area with a total investment of 2.04 billion yuan ($282.76 million).

The base reflects Roche's continued commitment to the Chinese market after 30 years in Pudong.

The new facility, covering approximately 3.53 hectares and with a construction area of about 25,000 square meters, will focus on the localized production of Vabysmo, a bispecific antibody approved for treating eye diseases.

Vabysmo has been included in China's national medical insurance catalog and offers a variety of innovative treatment options for patients with retinal diseases.

Once completed, the new site will be Roche's second innovative drug production base in China, working in tandem with its existing facilities to strengthen the company's supply chain and local production capabilities.