Several leading pharmaceutical companies are ramping up their presence in the United States through multi-billion-dollar investments in new manufacturing facilities and cutting-edge research and development (R&D). These moves reflect a strategic shift toward strengthening domestic production, enhancing supply chain resilience, and accelerating innovation in critical therapies. Here’s a closer look at some of the key players and their plans:
Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly is undertaking one of the most ambitious expansions in the U.S. pharmaceutical sector, with plans to build four new manufacturing sites and invest over $50 billion since 2020. The company is actively seeking optimal locations for these facilities, inviting proposals from U.S. states as part of its site selection process. This expansion underscores Lilly’s commitment to meeting rising demand for diabetes, obesity, and cancer treatments.
Novartis
Swiss drugmaker Novartis has unveiled a $23 billion investment plan over the next five years aimed at significantly expanding its U.S. footprint. The strategy includes the construction of six new facilities, with two plants planned in Florida and Texas, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art R&D center in San Diego. The goal is to ensure that all essential medicines for U.S. patients are produced domestically, reinforcing supply chain security.
Johnson & Johnson
Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson is set to invest $55 billion over the next four years to bolster its U.S. manufacturing and R&D capabilities. This major initiative includes the development of three new manufacturing sites, positioning the company to scale up production of innovative biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca has committed to investing $3.5 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2026, focusing on expanding its manufacturing capacity and accelerating R&D in oncology, respiratory, and cardiovascular treatments. The investment will support the company’s strategic goal of transforming treatment pathways with precision medicine.
Merck & Co.
Merck is investing $8 billion through 2028 to expand its manufacturing footprint across the United States. A key part of this investment includes the construction of a new vaccine production facility in North Carolina, aimed at increasing domestic supply of high-demand vaccines and supporting pandemic preparedness.
SCHOTT Pharma
SCHOTT Pharma, a global leader in pharmaceutical packaging solutions, is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing facility in North Carolina. The plant will produce prefillable polymer syringes used in cutting-edge therapies such as mRNA vaccines and GLP-1 treatments for diabetes and obesity. This move aligns with the growing demand for advanced drug delivery systems in the U.S. healthcare market.
These expansive initiatives highlight the pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to U.S.-based innovation, job creation, and healthcare resilience. Collectively, they mark a pivotal shift in bringing critical drug production closer to the end user, while fostering the next generation of medical breakthroughs.