INDIANAPOLIS – In a major move to scale up production of its in-demand medicines Eli Lilly and Company has announced a planned investment of more than $1.2 billion to expand and modernize its Lilly del Caribe manufacturing site in Carolina Puerto Rico.
This strategic investment will integrate advanced technologies and increase production capacity for the company’s growing portfolio of oral solid medicines particularly in critical therapeutic areas like cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology and immunology.
A Key Site for Lilly’s New Oral GLP-1 Medicine
A central part of this expansion is to support the production of orforglipron Lilly’s highly anticipated oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity. The company expects to submit the drug for global regulatory approval by the end of 2025.
This positions the Puerto Rico facility as a critical node in the supply chain for what could be a groundbreaking, convenient treatment option in the rapidly growing metabolic health sector.
Part of a Historic $50 Billion U.S. Manufacturing Push
The Puerto Rico expansion is a key component of Lilly’s previously announced $50 billion commitment to expand its U.S. manufacturing capacity. This site enhancement follows recent plans to build new plants in Texas and Virginia, with two more locations to be announced soon.
“After sixty years, Lilly del Caribe continues to play an important role in making life-changing medicines,” said Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. He highlighted that the investment in “advanced technologies and highly specialized jobs” will cement the site’s importance in Lilly’s global network.
Economic Impact and Advanced Technology
The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Puerto Rico, including:
- Up to 1,000 construction jobs
- An additional 100 high-tech manufacturing positions
The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion, a technique that improves the absorption of oral medicines.
Puerto Rico’s Governor, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, praised the investment as a “resounding vote of confidence” that positions the island as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.
Construction is estimated to begin in 2026, with medicine production expected to start by the end of 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
1. What is Eli Lilly investing in?
Eli Lilly is investing over $1.2 billion to expand and modernize its existing pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
2. What will the expanded facility produce?
The facility will focus on oral solid medicines (pills). A key product will be orforglipron, Lilly’s oral GLP-1 medication for obesity, along with medicines for cardiometabolic diseases, neuroscience, oncology and immunology.
3. What is orforglipron?
Orforglipron is Eli Lilly’s first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity. It represents a significant alternative to current injectable GLP-1 therapies, pending regulatory approval.
4. How does this fit into Lilly’s broader plans?
This is part of Lilly’s massive $50 billion capital investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing capacity, which also includes new sites in Texas and Virginia.
5. What is the economic impact of this project?
The expansion is expected to create up to 1,000 construction jobs and add 100 permanent, high-tech manufacturing roles. It also reinforces Puerto Rico’s status as a life sciences manufacturing hub.
6. When will the new facility be operational?
Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the first medicines expected to be produced by the end of 2028.
