Eli Lilly has announced that it plans to build a $5bn manufacturing facility in Virginia, US. The planned Virginia facility is part of the company’s $50bn capital expansion commitments in the US since 2020.
The new site will be the company’s first dedicated, fully integrated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and drug product facility for Lilly’s emerging bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody portfolio.
Earlier this year, Lilly announced plans to bolster its domestic medicine production across therapeutic areas by building a total of four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in the US.
The new site in Virginia will develop active pharmaceutical ingredients for cancer, autoimmune and other advanced therapies, boosting its domestic manufacturing of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
“Our investment in Virginia underscores our commitment to US innovation and manufacturing – creating high-quality jobs, strengthening communities and advancing the health and well-being of Americans nationwide,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. “By expanding our domestic capacity, we’re building a secure, resilient supply chain that delivers for patients today and supports the breakthrough medicines of tomorrow.”
Expected to be completed within the next five years, the manufacturing site will bring more than 650 new high-paying jobs to Virginia, including highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians.
To maximize the latest technology, digital integrations and automation, the company plans to engage locally, partnering with local universities and supporting community educational initiatives in Virginia.
“This…represents a significant milestone for Lilly, as we begin building our first bioconjugate facility,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. “With this cutting-edge site, Lilly is setting a new benchmark in bioconjugate innovation, advancing technologies that will expand what’s possible for patients.”
The company plans to announce the three remaining US manufacturing sites this year and expects to start production at these four facilities within the next five years.