Eli Lilly Breaks Ground on $4.5 Billion Research and Development Facility

Eli Lilly broke ground on its $4.5 billion Research and Development Facility, the largest project announced for the LEAP District, with Gov. Mike Braun and company officials participating in the ceremony.

The Lilly Medicine Foundry will support approximately 400 jobs when completed in 2027. The facility will consist of seven buildings totaling 1.2 million square feet and focus on researching and manufacturing new medicines, particularly molecular therapies, cell-based medicines, and genetic medicines.

“This will be a place where molecules, like ingots of metal, are turned into tools to help conquer disease,” Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said. “Lilly has 10 sites in the United States under construction and will soon announce four more. When all are completed, all of Lilly’s U.S. products will be produced domestically with export capacity to spare”

The facility will feature equipment for advanced genetic medicine and converting injectable drugs into pill form. Dan Skrovonsky, Lilly's Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the significance of the groundbreaking, stating it represents a major step forward in making medicines to treat some of the world's toughest diseases.

“It means the chance for us to deliver on our dream to make medicines to treat some of the world’s toughest diseases, including some of the most feared cancers,” Skrovonsky said.

Gov. Braun praised Lilly's plans, noting that a $4.5 billion investment with a 5-to-1 economic payoff is impressive. He highlighted the benefits not only for the country but also for patients and consumers.

“When you have a 5-to-1 economic payoff, that’s one heck of an investment,” Braun said. “Not only is bringing pharma production back to the U.S. good for our country, it’s good for patients and consumers as well.”

Braun also mentioned that high school students who earn the Employment Honors Plus seal can gain a foot in the door with an interview at the Lilly Medicine Foundry.

Lilly has invested approximately $13 billion in the LEAP District to date, the largest single investment in active pharmaceutical ingredients production in U.S. history. The company first announced the foundry in October.