United States: Eli Lilly is investing $3 billion to expand its recently acquired plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This significant expansion aims to address the soaring demand for its weight-loss medication Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Lilly acquired the facility earlier this year from Nexus Pharmaceuticals, planning to use it for scaling up production of these in-demand therapies, as reported by Reuters.
Zepbound and Mounjaro Shortages in Focus
Mounjaro, which was also launched in the late 2023, by September, has recorded over 5.2 prescriptions in the U.S, however; Zepbound and Mounjaro have also experienced some supply chain shortages all year. While the FDA moved tirzepatide from the shortage list, the regulator has recently brought the medication back, reversing its previous decision after being sued by compounding pharma firms that synthesize and sell unauthorized copies of tirzepatide.
Major Investment in Expansion and Infrastructure
Lilly has committed more than $23 billion to facility investment and acquisition in the last two years. The Wisconsin plant is expected to generate a total of $4 billion that it alongside lands and some adjoining warehouses. Construction of the new phase will commence early next year and operation will be in the later half of 2025.
The new and improved Wisconsin facility is estimated to generate 750 new positions for operators, technicians, engineers, and scientists. Currently, there are at least 100 employees, and the number is hoped to increase as the facility carries out expansion to meet the international market demand, as reported by Reuters.
Industry Competition Heats Up
Global rival Novo Nordisk is also ramping up production of its obesity medication Wegovy. The Danish company is investing $11 billion this year to acquire three facilities from Catalent, signaling intense competition in the booming weight-loss drug market.