Lilly to Invest $3B to Expand GLP-1 Manufacturing Capacity in China 

Lilly plans to invest $3 billion over the next 10 years to boost its manufacturing operations in China, according to a March 11 press release from Lilly’s Chinese operations. Lilly plans to set up local production and supply for oral solid drugs and build out capacity for orforglipron, its experimental GLP-1 pill.

Additionally, under a collaboration with Beijing-based CDMO Pharmaron, Lilly will invest $200 million to support its technology and capabilities at the CDMO to expand scale as needed.

The company has invested as much as $6 billion in its operations in China over the past two years, including several supply chain upgrades. In 2024, Lilly committed $200 million to the Suzhou site to expand the supply of its tirzepatide products, in addition to establishing research centers in the region, Eli Lilly China Medical Innovation Center and Lilly Gateway Labs.