Lancaster County emerges as new biotech hub as Boston faces layoffs

Boston’s biotech sector is experiencing layoffs and vacant lab space, signaling a slowdown in the region that has long been a biotech stronghold.

In contrast, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is witnessing a surge in life‑science construction, spurred by an $800 million expansion from GSK and a strong manufacturing and healthcare base.

Massachusetts still reports growth, with biotech firms in the state seeing a nearly 14 percent rise in drug candidates in 2025, well above the national 6.8 percent increase, but the momentum is spreading to new locations.

Analysts see Lancaster and two other emerging regions as potential new hubs, suggesting the biotech landscape may become more geographically diversified.