Indianapolis:Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to build a new USD3 billionmanufacturing facility in Katwijk,the Netherlands, located within theLeiden Bio Science Park. The facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies for Lilly's growing portfolio of oral solid medicines in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology and immunology. Innovative capabilities will include dock-to-dock automation and material flow, paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology and spray-dried dispersion, which allows oral medicines to be effectively absorbed. The new site will also be among those that will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly's first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. The company expects to submit orforglipron to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year. "With extensive investments already underway in theU.S., our planned expansion inEuropefurther strengthens our ability to deliver medicines to patients worldwide. Localized manufacturing ensures we can quickly respond to meet regional demand and accelerate distribution withinEurope," saidDavid A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. "Leiden Bio Science Parkoffers access to a skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and proven pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the EU, national and local governments to create a more favorable and predictable policy environment open to fully harnessing innovative medicines to deliver faster access to patients." Lillywill bring 500 high-wage jobs to the South Holland province, including highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians, who will leverage state-of-the-art technology to produce life-changing medicines. In addition, an estimated 1,500 jobs will be created during construction, which is expected to begin next year. Lilly's investment is contingent upon the finalization of government permits and local approvals. "I'm truly proud that Lilly has chosenthe Netherlands, Katwijk and theLeiden Bio Science Parkafter considering many locations acrossEurope," saidVincent Karremans, minister of Economic Affairs ofthe Netherlands. "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." Lilly has established a strong manufacturing footprint inEuropewith four existing sites acrossFrance,Ireland,ItalyandSpain. To meet the growing demand for Lilly medicines, the company has shared plans for three additional EU sites since 2020, including new greenfield sites inIreland,Germany, and now,the Netherlands. In a recent worldwide benchmark of 32 countries,the Netherlandsranked top-tier in terms of business climate for life sciences companies. Lilly's ongoing investments in the region will create operational synergies and supply chain flexibility, support the early-stage life science ecosystem and strengthen university and government relationships. "At Lilly, we are investing in next-generation manufacturing facilities around the world to ensure our medicines are made and distributed closer to the communities and patients we serve. Expanding our capabilities inEuropestrengthens our global supply chain and reflects our commitment to getting innovative treatments to patients who need them," saidEdgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "Additionally, with each new facility we are building, we find ways to continue to minimize our environmental footprint – assuring carbon neutrality in our operations and generating zero waste to landfills." The company recently announced plans to expand an existing manufacturing site inPuerto Ricoand to build sites inTexasandVirginia. Two moreU.S.locations will be announced in the next few months, Lilly stated. Read also:Eli Lilly Omvoh secures USFDA approval as single-injection maintenance regimen in adults with ulcerative colitis