TOPEKA, Kan.– Elanco Animal Health is planning to expand its biologics manufacturing facility in Elwood, Kansas.
The expansion is expected to create an additional 70 jobs over the next two years at the facility, costing $130 million with projected completion in 2026.
The site is currently used in the production of monoclonal antibody therapies (mAb). The expansion is set to double the facility’s production capabilities in expectation of a new type of therapy being released sometime next year for canine dermatitis, according to a news release from the company.
“Expanding the capabilities at our Elwood manufacturing site is a critical step toward executing the most exciting pipeline in Elanco’s 70-year history,” Elanco Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Quality Grace McArdle said. “In partnership with our Elanco R&D colleagues, this site plays a key role in delivering solutions that are transforming the way veterinarians and pet owners care for the world’s animals. We appreciate the commitment of the State of Kansas, Doniphan County and the City of Elwood to help pets live longer, healthier, more active lives.”
Elwood is considered part of the Animal Health Corridor a massive collection of animal health research and manufacturing facilities clustered in Kansas City and the surrounding region. Roughly stretching from Boone County, Missouri to Riley County, Kansas the corridor is well known for its abundance of globally recognized companies like Elanco.
Elanco animal health, previously Eli Lilly and Co animal health, is noted for currently being one of only two companies with mAb animal therapies on the market. Their current therapy, the conditionally approved Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal antibody is the first targeted treatment for canine parvovirus, estimated to affect more than 330,000 puppies a year. Monoclonal antibody research for animal care is currently benefiting from the major interest and advancements in the use of the technology for humans.
