As a national leader in life sciences innovation, Philadelphia has seen significant expansion in research and development infrastructure. The city’s transformation is driven by substantial investments in life sciences construction, particularly in the areas of University City and Center City, where biotechnology firms, academic institutions, and research laboratories are building cutting-edge facilities.
This expansion, however, does not occur in a legal vacuum. Developers and investors must navigate a complex regulatory landscape, including zoning laws, construction regulations, labor compliance and federal incentives tailored to research and development (“R&D”) projects. This article considers how legal and regulatory factors are shaping Philadelphia’s life sciences growth and the broader impact of ongoing development in the sector.

