Copyright nltimes
American pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is investing 3 billion dollars, roughly 2.6 billion euros, to build a new factory in Katwijk. The company announced Monday that it expects the project to create 500 permanent manufacturing jobs and about 1,500 construction jobs. “With extensive investments already underway in the United States, our planned expansion in Europe further strengthens our ability to deliver medicines to patients worldwide,” Lilly Chair and CEO David Ricks said. "Leiden Bio Science Park offers access to a skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure, and proven pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.” Lilly, a publicly traded company, had revenue of 45 billion dollars last year. Its portfolio includes weight-loss medication Mounjaro, cancer treatments Cyramza and Verzenio, and diabetes drug Trulicity. The facility, located in the Leiden Bio Science Park, will expand Lilly’s capacity to produce oral medicines and strengthen its global supply chain, Lilly stated in a press release. Construction in the Zijlhoek-De Woerd area is expected to begin next year, pending government permits and local approvals. It will also manufacture orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral weight-loss medication. The company plans to submit it to global regulators for obesity approval by the end of the year. "Localized manufacturing ensures we can quickly respond to meet regional demand and accelerate distribution within Europe," Lilly's CEO added. Less than two weeks ago, biotech firm Galapagos announced reorganization plans that include the possibility of pulling out of the Leiden Bio Science Park. The Belgian firm intends to stop its cell therapy division, as it has not been able to sell that portion of the business to another company. The Katwijk factory announcement was made at a press conference at the Amare cultural center in The Hague, attended by caretaker Dutch ministers Vincent Karremans of Economic Affairs and Jan Anthonie Bruijn of Health, Welfare, and Sport. "I'm truly proud that Lilly has chosen the Netherlands, Katwijk, and the Leiden Bio Science Park after considering many locations across Europe," Karremans said. The arrival of Lilly will not only bring new jobs and investments but also boost collaboration in the field of innovative medicines, helping us work together on solutions that truly improve people’s health and lives.”
