New study identifies life sciences manufacturing opportunities in central South Carolina
October 28, 2026
A new study commissioned by the Central SC Alliance (CSCA) identifies advanced manufacturing and supply chain development as Central South Carolina’s strongest near-term opportunities for attracting life sciences investment.
The study highlights the eight-county region’s established pharmaceutical manufacturing base, experienced workforce, research capabilities and proximity to major Southeastern life sciences markets as key competitive advantages.
“We see tremendous opportunity for Central South Carolina in life sciences, but we also want to be deliberate about where we can compete and win,” said Jason Giulietti, president and CEO of the CSCA. “This study gives us a clearer picture of the strengths already here and a roadmap for pursuing the next investment.”
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, including Ritedose and Nephron Pharmaceuticals, have established and expanded operations in the region, strengthening its capabilities in regulated pharmaceutical production, sterile manufacturing, packaging and distribution. Combined with Central South Carolina’s broader manufacturing and logistics expertise, these assets position the region to compete for additional life sciences investment.
The findings come as South Carolina’s life sciences industry continues to expand. According to the study, the sector generates an estimated $20.1 billion in annual economic impact, supports approximately 64,000 jobs statewide and is growing at four times the statewide average employment rate.
“South Carolina’s life sciences sector is growing because different regions bring different strengths to the table,” said James Chappell, president and CEO of SCbio. “Central South Carolina’s manufacturing base, research activity and health care and academic partners add important capabilities to a statewide ecosystem that continues to mature.”
The study also highlights Central South Carolina’s strategic location within the broader Southeastern life sciences corridor, including proximity to North Carolina’s Research Triangle. This positioning creates opportunities to attract companies seeking manufacturing capacity, expansion opportunities and supply chain support near established research and development centers.
“Companies making major location decisions gauge a region’s capacity to support them for the long term,” said Tushar Chikhliker, chair of the CSCA Board of Directors. “Central South Carolina combines manufacturing capability, access to talent and room to scale with proximity to established life sciences markets across the Southeast.”
Beyond manufacturing, the study identifies research, health care and workforce development as important contributors to the region’s long-term growth potential. The Midlands accounts for 30 percent of South Carolina’s National Institutes of Health funding, while the University of South Carolina, regional health systems and technical colleges provide research, commercialization, clinical and workforce development capabilities.
The study also identifies clinical and digital health as potential areas for future growth, supported by continued collaboration among academic institutions, health care providers and private industry.
“Life sciences growth depends on connecting research with talent, clinical partners and industry,” said Dr. Stephen Cutler, vice president for economic development and dean of the College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina. “USC is an important part of that ecosystem, and we have an opportunity to build on those connections to advance innovation and support the sector’s growth across the region.”
The findings will guide the Central SC Alliance’s business recruitment strategy and support regional efforts to attract new investment, strengthen industry partnerships and expand Central South Carolina’s role in the growing life sciences sector.
The Central SC Alliance represents eight counties: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland, as well as the state capital of Columbia.
To download the full Central South Carolina life sciences study, visit https://www.centralsc.org/target-industries/life-sciences-medical-supplies
The Central SC Alliance (CSCA)
The Central SC Alliance (CSCA) is a full-service professional economic development organization, founded in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, public/private partnership, engaged in the recruitment of capital investment and jobs to the Central Region of South Carolina. Since inception, CSCA and its partners and allies, have attracted $24 billion in capital investment and over 89,000 new jobs to the Central Region of South Carolina.
CSCA represents the City of Columbia and the eight counties: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland.
To learn more, visit the website at centralsc.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
