#United States #Puerto Rico #Eli Lilly #Carolina #oral medicines

Eli Lilly Expands Operations in Puerto Rico

In a major announcement, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) unveiled a plan to invest more than $1.2 billion in its Lilly del Caribe manufacturing facility located in Carolina, Puerto Rico. This significant investment is poised to modernize the existing site and expand its production capabilities. The primary focus of this initiative is to support Lilly's growing portfolio of oral solid medications, specifically in sectors such as cardiometabolic health, oncology, neuroscience, and immunology.

With advancements in manufacturing practices, this new facility will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, enabling it to become a vital component in Lilly's global manufacturing strategy. Among the notable products being manufactured here will be orforglipron, Lilly's first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist targeted at obesity, which is expected to receive regulatory submissions by the end of this year.

Economic and Community Impact

The expansion is set to create approximately 100 high-tech manufacturing jobs along with up to 1,000 construction roles. This effort underscores Lilly's long-standing commitment to the Puerto Rican market—an essential hub for the pharmaceutical giant. Edgardo Hernandez, the executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, stated, "After sixty years, Lilly del Caribe continues to play an important role in making life-changing medicines for people in the U.S. and beyond." He highlighted the site’s contributions and the investment's potential to advance local healthcare solutions.

The facility will adopt innovative manufacturing strategies, including automation from dock-to-dock, process analytical technologies, and paperless operations to improve efficiencies and outcomes in oral medicine production. These advancements not only aim to ensure better absorption of medicines but also represent a vital alignment with Lilly’s broader strategy of expanding manufacturing capacity across the U.S. to respond to growing healthcare needs.

Support from Local Leadership

Puerto Rican officials have expressed strong support for this investment. Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon emphasized the significance of this expansion as a testament to Puerto Rico's strategic positioning as an advanced manufacturing hub that fosters economic security and innovation. She stated, "Lilly's multimillion-dollar expansion is a resounding vote of confidence in our people, our infrastructure, and our long-term competitiveness within the U.S. supply chain." Such endorsements underscore the collaborative efforts between Lilly and the local government in boosting Puerto Rico's role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.

Sebastian Negron Reichard, the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce in Puerto Rico, stressed the historical trust Lilly has placed in Puerto Rico. He noted, "Today, that trust translates into new capacity, advanced technologies, investment, and long-term economic value for our island." This sentiment encapsulates the positive ramifications of such a partnership, highlighting the intended growth of relevant job sectors and the local economy.

Timeline and Future Outlook

Construction of the enhanced facility is anticipated to commence in 2026, with initial production set to begin by the end of 2028. This timeline illustrates a strategic approach to not only develop infrastructure but also ensure the facility is equipped for modern manufacturing standards that meet the demands of today’s healthcare environment.

In conclusion, Eli Lilly's substantial investment in its Puerto Rico facility not only marks a pivotal moment for the company but also reinforces Puerto Rico's essential role in the U.S. pharmaceutical sector. This initiative highlights a shared vision focused on competitiveness and economic enhancement, providing crucial medicines to patients domestically and globally.

About Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly and Company has been at the forefront of medical innovation for nearly 150 years, dedicated to delivering transformative therapies that improve health outcomes worldwide. The company’s ongoing advancements reflect its commitment to addressing critical health challenges through pioneering research and development.

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