From its legacy as the birthplace of cell and gene therapy to the development of the Nobel Prize-winning COVID-19 vaccine —and most recently, in May 2025, the successful delivery of the world’s first personalized CRISPR therapy—Greater Philadelphia continues to set the pace for life sciences innovation worldwide.

And the world is taking notice.

Health tech innovators, researchers, and companies are increasingly choosing Greater Philadelphia as the launchpad for their breakthroughs because of the region’s unique combination of collaborative infrastructure, world-class research institutions, and access to top-tier talent. As demand accelerates, the life sciences real estate market is rising to meet it—laying the physical foundation for the next generation of discovery, development, and growth through purpose-built lab and R&D space.

In 2025, this legacy is not just enduring—it’s gaining momentum. According to the 2025 National Life Sciences Report by global real estate firm Colliers, Greater Philadelphia has retained its position as the #4 life sciences market in the U.S., holding strong from its 2024 ranking.

Snapshot of Philadelphia’s Major 2025 Life Sciences Market Developments

Below is a list of major life science real estate projects in development that are shaping and securing the region’s future as a global health innovation hub.

BioLabs for Advanced Therapeutics: At the heart of Center City, BioLabs for Advanced Therapeutics, developed by Keystone Development + Investment, is expanding its footprint with a new 30,000-square-foot incubator set to open later this year. Designed to support both startups and established biotech firms, the facility will feature cutting-edge lab space and is expected to house Thermo Fisher Scientific’s East Coast flagship Advanced Therapies Collaboration Center (ATxCC), further anchoring Philadelphia’s leadership in cell and gene therapy.

Bellwether District: In South Philadelphia, the Bellwether District, a visionary project by Hilco Redevelopment Partners, is transforming the former PES refinery site into a 1,300-acre life sciences and innovation campus. With a strong focus on sustainability and economic impact, the development is projected to create 19,000 permanent jobs over the next 15 years and will include modern lab and office spaces tailored to the needs of next-generation research.

1201 Normandy: At the Navy Yard, 1201 Normandy, developed by Ensemble Real Estate Investments and Mosaic Development Partners, is already making waves. This 137,000-square-foot, LEED Gold-certified lab building opened in mid-2023 and continues to attract tenants in 2025. It is home to bioMérieux’s Invisible Sentinel division and marks the first life sciences project under the Ensemble/Mosaic joint venture, which aims to deliver over 3 million square feet of lab space in the district.

2300 Market: In University City, 2300 Market, a 223,000-square-foot life sciences facility by Breakthrough Properties—a joint venture between Tishman Speyer and Bellco Capital—is under construction. The building will offer flexible lab zones, wellness amenities, and collaborative spaces, bridging the gap between Center City and the University City innovation corridor.

3151 Market : Also in University City, 3151 Market, a 472,000-square-foot tower developed by Brandywine Realty Trust in partnership with Drexel University, is set to open in 2025. As part of the Schuylkill Yards master plan, the building will provide customizable lab and innovation space, retail, and wellness-focused amenities, anchoring one of the city’s most ambitious innovation districts.

B+labs Graduate Labs at Cira Centre: Also developed by Brandywine Realty Trust and powered by the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, have become a premier destination for emerging biotech companies. Located adjacent to 30th Street Station, the 50,000-square-foot facility offers plug-and-play lab and office space, shared scientific instrumentation, and a collaborative environment that supports the full lifecycle of biotech growth—from incubation to graduation

3201 Cuthbert Street: Nearby, 3201 Cuthbert Street, led by Gattuso Development Partners, is poised to enhance the region’s life sciences infrastructure with advanced facilities designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality lab and R&D space in the heart of the city’s science district.

3711 Market St.:  A 10-story, 150,000-square-foot building by Wexford Science + Technology, is undergoing a $28.5 million renovation at 3711 Market Street. The upgrades—set for completion in 2025—include a redesigned lobby, enhanced HVAC and power systems, and move-in ready lab and office suites aimed at boosting occupancy and supporting the city’s biotech growth.

Ultra Labs: A state-of-the-art, eleven-story facility developed by Colliers, will be available for lease later in 2025. Located in University City, the 185,279-square-foot building is engineered for BSL-2 labs and includes up to three floors of cGMP manufacturing. It also offers significant cost advantages through Philadelphia’s new construction tax abatement and Federal Opportunity Zone status.

University Place 3.0:  A 1 million sq. ft state-of-the-art life sciences hub developed by University Place Associates in University City that will house the City of Philadelphia’s new forensics lab.

Spring House Innovation Park (SHIP): Just outside the city in Montgomery County, Spring House Innovation Park (SHIP), developed by Beacon Capital Partners, is emerging as a premier suburban life sciences destination. The campus spans over 600,000 square feet and continues to grow, offering a dynamic environment for global thought leaders, scientists, and R&D-driven companies. SHIP is already home to a diverse mix of renowned institutions and biotech innovators, providing a collaborative ecosystem that supports discovery and commercialization in a tranquil, campus-like setting.

Get Involved in Greater Philadelphia Life Science Ecosystem

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber), through the Select Greater Philadelphia initiative (Select), is committed to helping companies and top talent achieve their vision by facilitating growth in Greater Philadelphia, a region that is connected, collaborative, and accessible to the world. For more information about how the Greater Philadelphia region and the Chamber can help your company, visit the Select website or contact James Medaglio, Director, Business Attraction and Expansion, The Chamber, at [email protected]. For information on the Chamber’s role in supporting the region’s life sciences sector, contact Bryan Tsao, Ph.D., Manager, Life Science & Healthcare Initiatives, The Chamber, at [email protected].