Key Takeaways
- Eli Lilly announced the creation of a groundbreaking $4.5 billion “Lilly Medicine Foundry” in Indiana, aiming to revolutionize drug production and accelerate clinical trials for next-generation medicines.
- The state-of-the-art facility will combine research and manufacturing, optimizing production methods for new therapies, including biologics, small molecules, and nucleic acid treatments.
- Set to open in 2027, the facility is expected to create 400 highly skilled jobs and solidify Indiana’s position as a global leader in biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Eli Lilly and Company unveiled a bold investment of $4.5 billion to establish the Lilly Medicine Foundry, a cutting-edge facility designed to transform the way medicines are produced and distributed for clinical trials. Located in Indiana’s LEAP Research and Innovation District, this facility marks the first-ever combination of advanced manufacturing and research capabilities in a single site. The Medicine Foundry will develop innovative production methods, increasing capacity for clinical supply and scaling access to medicines from Lilly’s growing pipeline.
The move represents a significant milestone in Lilly’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the discovery of next-generation treatments for some of the world’s toughest diseases. The Foundry, slated to open in late 2027, will further expand Lilly’s footprint in Indiana, bringing its total investment in the state to more than $13 billion.
“By integrating research and manufacturing under one roof, we are positioned to optimize the development of breakthrough therapies while expanding global access to clinical trial medicines,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly’s chair and CEO. “This innovative approach will not only support the delivery of high-quality treatments to patients around the world but also strengthen our process development for cutting-edge therapies.”
Pioneering Drug Development and Advanced Manufacturing
The Lilly Medicine Foundry will revolutionize the process of bringing medicines to market, allowing the company to develop and test new production methods across various therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and nucleic acid therapies. By advancing the scalability of clinical trial medicines, the Foundry aims to reduce production costs, enhance efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.
The facility’s flexible design enables the seamless transfer of technology from research to full-scale production, ensuring that new methods developed at the Foundry can be replicated at Lilly’s other global manufacturing sites. Its strategic location in the LEAP district will foster close collaboration with Lilly Research Laboratories in Indianapolis and the company’s existing manufacturing plants in Lebanon, Indiana.
The Foundry also strengthens Lilly’s infrastructure to support its growing pipeline of next-generation medicines, which includes treatments for diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, immune disorders, and cancer. By enhancing clinical trial supply capabilities, Lilly aims to fast-track the delivery of critical medicines to patients worldwide.
Boosting Indiana’s Role as a Global Biotechnology Hub
The creation of the Lilly Medicine Foundry further cements Indiana’s reputation as a leading hub for biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. The State of Indiana is backing the project with infrastructure upgrades, including investments in roads, utilities, and services. Additionally, the state will provide economic incentives tied to Lilly’s job creation and investment commitments in Lebanon, which is expected to add 400 full-time jobs for highly skilled workers in engineering, science, and operations.
“This monumental investment in the LEAP district reinforces Indiana’s status as a global leader in science and technology,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “Lilly’s longstanding commitment to the state has generated incredible opportunities for our local workforce, and I am thrilled about the career prospects and scientific advancements this new facility will bring.”
Since its launch in 2022, the LEAP Research and Innovation District has attracted over $18 billion in capital investments, positioning Indiana as a sought-after destination for global innovation. As a cornerstone of this development, Lilly’s Medicine Foundry is poised to drive biotechnology growth in the region and beyond.
Building on Previous Investments in Lebanon
The Medicine Foundry builds on Lilly’s ongoing investments in Lebanon, Indiana, which include two major manufacturing sites announced in May 2022 as part of a $2.1 billion investment to support the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In April 2023, Lilly expanded its commitment by another $1.6 billion, followed by a record-breaking $5.3 billion investment in May 2024 to increase production capacity for its latest diabetes and obesity treatments. This was the largest single investment in active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing in U.S. history.
As one of the world’s most innovative biopharmaceutical companies, Eli Lilly is dedicated to developing medicines that address some of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time. From pioneering life-changing treatments for diabetes and Alzheimer’s to advancing new therapies for cancer and immune disorders, Lilly is at the forefront of biotechnology innovation.
The Lilly Medicine Foundry will play a critical role in supporting the company’s mission to deliver affordable, accessible medicines to patients around the globe. With this new facility, Lilly is poised to continue its legacy of scientific discovery and patient-centered innovation, bringing next-generation therapies to market faster than ever before.
Resource: Eli Lilly and Company, October 03, 2024
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