With its advanced infrastructure, skilled talent, and strategic location, the region continues to attract global pharmaceutical leaders and nurture homegrown innovation.
A prime example of sustained U.S. investment is Eli Lilly, which announced this February a $50 million expansion of its Alcobendas facility. The funding will add two new packaging lines—bringing the total to five—dedicated in part to the launch of orforglipron, Lilly’s promising new obesity drug expected in 2026. The facility already produces Mounjaro, one of the company’s leading therapies.
Lilly’s Spanish subsidiary, established in 1963, is the only one outside the U.S. managing the full pharmaceutical value chain—from discovery to global distribution. With more than 1,000 employees, the Alcobendas site includes R&D labs, production lines, and the Lilly Foundation, exporting to 125 countries and underscoring Spain’s research capacity.
Pfizer is also investing heavily in Madrid. Last year, it announced a €100 million investment to create a new aseptic production space at its plant in San Sebastián de los Reyes.
This site is the only Pfizer facility globally supplying treatments for hemophilia A and B to more than 70 countries.
Madrid is not just attracting U.S. companies—it’s also a launchpad for startups expanding abroad. Overture Life, founded in Madrid in 2017, moved its headquarters to the U.S. but kept its R&D in the Spanish capital. Just a month ago, it raised $20.6 million in a strategic round led by U.S. investors, bringing total funding to $57 million.
The funds will support clinical research and the development of IVF automation technologies to make fertility treatment more accessible. This highlights Madrid’s talent base and its growing role in fostering transatlantic innovation.
The region is also home to leading biomedical institutions such as the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Carlos III Health Institute, CSIC, Severo Ochoa Centre for Molecular Biology, and the National Centre for Biotechnology. Soon, Madrid will welcome Spain Neurotech, a 200-million-euro initiative that will become one of only five global centers specializing in developing neurotechnologies based on the fundamentals of the human brain.
With robust infrastructure, legal certainty, reduced taxation, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Madrid offers a unique platform for both established pharma giants and cutting-edge biotech startups to grow—and to connect both sides of the Atlantic.