Eli Lilly is investing $3 billion into its new Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin manufacturing facility to meet the demand for its obesity and diabetes medications, Zepbound and Mounjaro [1]. This expansion, the company’s largest U.S. manufacturing investment outside Indiana, aims to increase production capacity for these injectable drugs. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with plans to add 750 jobs to the facility’s existing workforce [2].
The decision to expand comes amid a surge in demand for pharmaceutical weight-loss treatments, with Zepbound and Mounjaro generating $4.4 billion in sales in the third quarter of 2024 [3]. Despite efforts to boost production, supply has struggled to keep pace, leading to shortages. The expanded facility will focus on manufacturing injectable medicines, device assembly, and packaging, utilizing advanced automation technologies to enhance efficiency [4].
This move also positions Lilly competitively against Novo Nordisk, which has made significant investments to increase production of its weight-loss drug, Wegovy. Both companies are vying for leadership in the lucrative obesity treatment market, with Lilly projected to reach $130 billion by 2030 [5]. By expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Lilly aims to secure a larger share of this growing market and address ongoing supply challenges.
If your company is planning an expansion like this, EMMA International can help ensure a smooth and compliant process. From navigating regulatory requirements to optimizing quality management systems, we provide the expertise needed to scale operations efficiently.
EMMA International is here to provide full-circle solutions for all aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Give us a call at 248-987-4497 or email us at info@emmainternational.com to learn more about how EMMA International can take the stress out of quality and regulatory compliance!
[1] Wingrove (2024) Lilly invests $3 billion to expand Wisconsin plant as obesity drug demand soars, Retrieved on 6 December from: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lilly-invests-3-billion-expand-wisconsin-plant-obesity-drug-demand-soars-2024-12-05/?
[2] Lilly (2024) Lilly announces $3 billion expansion of its recently acquired manufacturing facility in Wisconsin, Retrieved on 6 December from: https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-announces-3-billion-expansion-its-recently-acquired
[3] AP News (2024) Eli Lilly invests $3B to expand Wisconsin factory to help meet demand for Mounjaro, Zepbound, Retrieved on 6 December from: https://apnews.com/article/useli-lilly-zepbound-mounjaro-fc831186f318ceb126a9425bed5fda60
[4] Wisconsin Economic Development (2024) Gov. Evers, Eli Lilly and Company Celebrate $3 Billion Expansion of Manufacturing Facility in Wisconsin, Retrieved on 6 December from: https://wedc.org/gov-evers-eli-lilly-and-company-celebrate-3-billion-expansion-of-manufacturing-facility-in-wisconsin/#:~:text=The%20expanded%20facility%20will%20focus,equipment%2C%20to%20accelerate%20medicine%20production.
[5] Glover (2024) Eli Lilly’s Wegovy rival Zepbound will help make weight-loss drug market worth $130 billion by 2030, Goldman Sachs says, Retrieved on 6 December from: https://www.businessinsider.com/eli-lilly-zepbound-ozempic-wegovy-novo-nordisk-weight-loss-drugs-2024-6?
