Top 10 Biotech Companies in San Diego to Watch Leading Into 2026
San Diego is one of the United States’ most dynamic biotech hubs, with a concentration of companies advancing genomic analysis, rare disease therapeutics, immunology, cell therapies, and enabling platform technologies. Here are 10 companies headquartered in San Diego worth watching as we move into 2026.
Why San Diego continues to lead in biotech
San Diego’s biotech cluster has grown into a top global hub thanks to deep ties to world-class research institutions (like UC San Diego and Scripps), a strong talent pool, and a mix of established and emerging companies focused on transformative science across modalities. Local venture investment, thriving incubators, and cross-sector partnerships continue to sustain the ecosystem’s growth.
Top 10 biotech companies in San Diego to watch
Each profile includes website, founding year, approximate size, and what makes the company noteworthy going into 2026.
1) Illumina, Inc.
Website: illumina.com
Founded: 1998
Size: ~8,900 employees globally
Illumina is a world leader in genomic sequencing and analysis systems. Headquartered in San Diego, it provides the foundational tools that power much of modern biotech research, from academic labs to large-scale clinical studies—making it an influential company to watch as gene sequencing and precision medicine workflows scale into 2026.
2) Crinetics Pharmaceuticals
Website: crinetics.com
Founded: 2008
Size: ~430 employees
Crinetics is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on endocrine-related diseases and rare disorders. With a growing pipeline and multiple clinical programs, the company’s trajectory into 2026 will hinge on regulatory progress and commercialization pathways from its San Diego base.
3) Avidity Biosciences
Website: aviditybiosciences.com
Founded: (~2016 approximate, consistent industry reporting)
Size: ~300–400 employees
Avidity Biosciences is developing antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate therapies for muscle diseases and other indications. Its platform aims to unlock new therapeutic avenues by combining targeted delivery with precision oligonucleotide mechanisms—positioning the company as a modality innovator heading into 2026.
4) Aristea Therapeutics
Website: altasciences.com
Founded: 2018
Size: 1,800 employees
Aristea Therapeutics focuses on developing precision treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Based in San Diego, its evolving pipeline and collaborative research strategies make it one to watch as rare and immune-mediated therapies become increasingly prioritized.
5) Denovo Biopharma
Website: denovobiopharma.com
Founded: 2011
Size: 40 - 45 employees
Denovo Biopharma combines computational biomarker discovery with translational drug development. Its genomic and algorithm-enabled approach reflects a trend toward data-driven therapeutic strategies as biotech scales into 2026.
6) Vividion Therapeutics
Website: vividion.com
Founded: 2014
Size: 270 employees
Originally a San Diego startup focused on small molecule discovery, Vividion’s acquisition by Bayer highlights the company’s scientific value and the region’s ability to generate globally relevant biotech innovations. Watching how its programs integrate with broader pipelines through 2026 offers insight into commercialization pathways for emerging firms.
7) A28 Therapeutics
Website: a28therapeutics.com
Founded: 2021
Size: 2 - 10 employees
A28 Therapeutics is developing precision oncology solutions based on targeted lytic peptides. As oncology continues to be a major investment area in biotech, companies like A28 that focus on differentiated mechanisms will be interesting to track going into 2026.
8) Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals
Website: inmagenebio.com
Founded: 2019
Size: 11 - 50 employees
Inmagene is advancing novel therapies for immunological and inflammatory diseases. As part of the wave of San Diego biotech R&D companies, its progress will reflect how early-stage platforms mature into clinical stage assets.
9) Aethlon Medical
Website: aethlonmedical.com
Founded: 1999
Size: 11 - 50 employees
Aethlon Medical develops technologies for infectious disease treatment and diagnostics. Its innovations in filtration and capture platforms could see broader application as infectious disease remains a high priority in biotech investment.
10) Abzena
Website: abzena.com
Founded: 2001
Size: 201 - 500 employees
Abzena provides end-to-end bioconjugate and biologics development services. Its presence in San Diego reflects the region’s strength in supporting complex biologics workflows, from discovery through early commercialization.
What San Diego’s biotech cluster signals for 2026
- Deep R&D ecosystem: San Diego continues to host genomics powerhouses, platform innovators, and clinical developers.
- Capital and talent density: Frequent funding rounds and a robust scientific workforce sustain growth and cross-company collaboration.
- Translational focus: Many local companies are pushing experimental science into clinical and commercial stages.
