GSK, Eli Lilly Commit Billions to U.S. Expansion in Pharma Manufacturing

Two of the world’s largest drugmakers are doubling down on U.S. operations, unveiling multi-billion-dollar plans to expand research, development, and production infrastructure. Both GSK and Eli Lilly are positioning the U.S. as a central hub for their future growth, while also strengthening domestic supply chains and advancing drug innovation.

GSK’s $30 Billion Commitment 

GSK said it will invest $30 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, with a focus on advanced manufacturing and drug development. The plan includes $1.2 billion for new facilities and digital technologies, such as AI and advanced manufacturing systems.

Among the initiatives:

·        Construction of a new biologics flex factory in Upper Merion, Pa., to support therapies for respiratory diseases and cancer.

·        Deployment of AI and digital tools across manufacturing sites in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, and Montana.

·        Expanded drug substance manufacturing capabilities.

·        Upgraded device and auto-injector technology.

The company also expects the U.S. to lead its global clinical trial activity over the next five years, with more studies, trial sites, and patient participation than any other country.

Eli Lilly Expands U.S. Manufacturing 

Eli Lilly is also increasing its U.S. footprint, with plans for four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites as part of a $27 billion investment. Central to that effort is a $5 billion facility near Richmond, Va., which will be Lilly’s first fully integrated site for producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished products for its bioconjugate and monoclonal antibody programs.

The project is included in Lilly’s broader $50 billion U.S. capital expansion commitment since 2020 and will also support domestic production of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The Virginia site is expected to be completed within five years and create more than 600 jobs across engineering, science, and operations.

“Our investment in Virginia underscores our commitment to U.S. innovation and manufacturing,” said David Ricks, Lilly’s chair and CEO. “By expanding our domestic capacity, we’re building a secure, resilient supply chain that delivers for patients today and supports the breakthrough medicines of tomorrow.”

Ricks has voiced support for the Trump administration’s efforts to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing in the U.S., while recommending tax incentives as an alternative to tariffs.

The articles referenced in this story originally ran as “GSK to invest $30B in US R&D, manufacturing over five years” and “Lilly to build $5B manufacturing facility in Virginia, near Richmond” on Pharma Manufacturing, an EndeavorB2B partner site.