Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to invest more than $1.2B to expand and modernize its Lilly del Caribe manufacturing site in Carolina, Puerto Rico, marking one of the largest private-sector investments ever made on the island. The initiative aims to increase production of oral solid medicines across its cardiometabolic, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology portfolios, supporting the anticipated launch of orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist intended for obesity treatment.
The expanded facility will feature advanced automation, paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion techniques for optimized drug absorption. The project is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs and 100 high-tech manufacturing positions, reinforcing Lilly’s commitment to local bioscience growth through scholarship and training programs for students in engineering and technology disciplines.
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón hailed the investment as a major vote of confidence in Puerto Rico’s talent and strategic competitiveness within the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. The effort forms part of Lilly’s $50 billion U.S. expansion strategy, which also includes new sites in Texas and Virginia. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 with commercial production anticipated by late 2028.
Lilly’s continued investment builds on its 60-year history in Puerto Rico, strengthening the island’s role as a hub for advanced life sciences manufacturing and economic resilience.
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