Lilly to establish third new US manufacturing facility in Alabama

Rendering of new US manufacturing site in Alabama. Credit: Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly plans to site its third of four new US manufacturing sites in Huntsville, Alabama, investing over $6 billion.

This follows the company’s announcement in September of two other sites, first Virginia, then Texas. Location of last facility is expected before the end of 2025.

The plant in Alabama will produce next-generation synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for small molecule synthetic and peptide medicines.

This includes manufacturing Lilly’s first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist orforglipron. Earlier this year, the company released strong phase III data for the drug, putting it on track for global regulatory submissions expected in 2025.

For instance, topline results from the ATTAIN-2 trial “reinforce the potential for orforglipron… to deliver meaningful weight loss and A1C reduction, consistent with similar landmark trials for injectable GLP-1s,” according to Kenneth Custer, PhD, President of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health.

Last month, Lilly announced it was boosting its oral GLP-1 manufacturing capability with a new facility in the Netherlands.

The present investment is expected to create 450 high-value pharmaceutical jobs, where the workforce will benefit from state-of-the-art technologies, including machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), digitally integrated monitoring systems, advanced data analytics and digital automation.

Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations said: “By establishing this new facility, Lilly is deepening America’s expertise in advanced chemical synthesis and setting new standards for sustainable manufacturing.

“Our investment not only expands our technical capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship, leveraging innovative processes to minimise waste and achieve carbon neutrality.”

Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama noted that Lilly’s new US manufacturing facility represents the state’s largest-ever initial investment. David Ricks, Lilly Chair and CEO added that the decision “continues the onshoring of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, strengthening supply chain resilience and reliable access to medicines for patients in the US.”

Construction of the facility is anticipated to be completed in 2032.