From research
to manufacturing.
The life sciences industry is recognizing South Carolina as a top destination.
Recent investments and expansions by leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have brought recognition to South Carolina as a top destination for life sciences industry companies. With a talented and innovative workforce, top research institutions and world-class hospital systems, the Palmetto State boasts an expanding biotech infrastructure.
With such exceptional assets, a dynamic group of bulk manufacturers, chemical processors, generic and proprietary pharmaceutical developers, hygiene product producers and packagers and related research and development companies have all decided to make their home in South Carolina. As a result, the Palmetto State has cultivated a truly cutting-edge life science sector.
Nurturing life sciences, from launch to legacy
Advancing life sciences
The life sciences industry is South Carolina’s fastest growing sector, accounting for an annual economic impact of $25.7 billion. With high growth potential and average wages nearly 80% above the state’s average, the industry’s upward trajectory is part of its selection as one of three target sectors in S.C. Commerce’s new strategic framework to guide future economic development efforts, announced in January 2024.
Showcasing life sciences in SC
The life sciences industry has built a solid foothold in South Carolina, where today it ranks as the Southeast’s fastest-growing life sciences ecosystem according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To celebrate and promote this expanding industry cluster, a delegation of more than 40 Palmetto State life sciences representatives and state leaders participated in the BIO International Convention (BIO 2024) June 3-6, 2024, in San Diego, California.
Growing relations
As the second official convening of the S.C.-U.K. delegation, the group toured England to meet government officials and private industry representatives, discussing procurement, health and life sciences, and transportation and infrastructure.
Life Science Feature Story
Belimed Life Science
Belimed Life Science is a Swiss founded manufacturer of products used in the manufacturing process of lifesaving vaccines and drug therapies. The leading supplier of steam sterilizers and parts washers with operations, Charleston County is its first US site.
Life Sciences Manufacturing Facts
6,124
new life sciences jobs announced from 2017–2023
$25.7 billion
annual economic impact of South Carolina's life sciences industry
1,033
life sciences companies currently operating in SC
87,773
South Carolinians employed in the life sciences sector
Fastest
growing life sciences sector in the Southeast and in the state
$958 million
in export sales of medical instruments and pharmaceutical products in 2023
SC Life Sciences Industry Profile
Tax Incentives for Life Sciences Manufacturers
South Carolina offers aggressive tax incentives to support research and development and life science industry growth. Pharmaceutical companies, biomedical manufacturing companies, medical device manufacturers and others in the life sciences manufacturing space can benefit from SC’s pro-business policies.
SC Tax Incentives for Life Sciences