Lilly Plans to Grow its Biologics Manufacturing Footprint in Ireland with $1.8 Billion Expansion

In a bid to enhance global biopharmaceutical production, Eli Lilly and Company has added a $1 billion expansion of its Limerick, Ireland, manufacturing site where it will increase production of biologic active ingredients. The company announced the increased investment on Sept. 12, 2024. The production expansion includes biologic active ingredients for Lilly’s Kisunla (donanemab-azbt), which was approved by FDA in July 2024 for treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (1). At the same time, the company unveiled its new $800 million facility expansion in Kinsale, Ireland, which began operations in 2023 to produce Lilly's latest diabetes and obesity treatments in response to market demand, according to a company press release.

The additional $1 billion investment in Limerick, on top of the $800 million investment in Kinsale, is part of the company’s goal to raise its manufacturing footprint. Lilly has committed more than $20 billion since 2020 into building, expanding, and acquiring manufacturing facilities in both the United States and Europe, the company stated in the release.

"These investments will boost the production of some of our medicines, helping millions of people with diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease live the healthiest lives possible," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice-president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, in the release. "We won't stop there—these state-of-the-art facilities will also be equipped to support our promising pipeline molecules of the future."

Once completed, the Limerick site will become a part of Lilly's global manufacturing network for the production of the biologic active ingredients for the company's Alzheimer's disease portfolio as well as other biologics.

"Alzheimer's disease is a devastating diagnosis for both the patient and for their loved ones, along with having a huge burden on society," said Anne E. White, executive vice-president and president of Lilly Neuroscience, in the release. "The treatments we will make here in Limerick offer the potential to be able to slow the progression of the disease and make life better for millions of people around the world."

The new $1 billion investment brings Lilly’s total investment in Limerick to $2 billion, which is double the amount the company initially announced in March 2023. The site will include advanced technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automated robotics and systems to enable right-first-time execution. Lilly plans to create another 150 jobs for highly skilled workers in Limerick, including positions for engineers, scientists, quality assurance professionals, and operations personnel, bringing the total staff at the site to 450 employees. Lilly broke ground on the Limerick site in March 2023, following its initial announcement for the new facility in 2022. The company anticipates production of biologic active ingredients to start up in 2026.

Meanwhile, the new Kinsale site will serve the company’s production of diabetes and obesity therapies. The site uses a digital-first process that integrates continuous manufacturing technology for creating a new manufacturing platform for complex peptides.

Reference

1. FDA. FDA Approves Treatment for Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease. Press Release. July 2, 2024.

Source:Eli Lilly and Company