Houston – – September 21, 2026 -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) has broken ground on a $6.5 billion manufacturing site in Houston, Texas, that will produce active pharmaceutical ingredients for Foundayo (orforglipron), the company's first synthetic oral GLP-1 medicine for weight management.
Houston site becomes Lilly's fifth domestic API facility since 2020
The plant is one of ten U.S. manufacturing sites Lilly has announced since 2020 and the fifth dedicated to producing active pharmaceutical ingredients domestically. The investment falls under Lilly's broader $50 billion initiative to reshore medicine production in the United States and export American-made drugs globally.
Facility will manufacture small-molecule GLP-1 drug and oligonucleotide therapeutics
Beyond Foundayo, the Houston site will produce other small-molecule medicines and advanced therapeutics, including oligonucleotides — a drug class designed to switch off production of specific disease-causing proteins at the genetic level. Foundayo, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is currently under regulatory review in more than 40 countries, with a global rollout targeted for 2027. Lilly is also studying the drug for type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea, with data expected later this year.
Site will create more than 600 high-wage jobs and 4,000 construction positions
Lilly is currently hiring for the Houston facility, which is expected to employ over 600 people in roles including engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians. Construction of the site will generate approximately 4,000 jobs.
Lilly commits $12.5 million to build workforce pipeline with San Jacinto College
Lilly is providing $12.5 million to develop training pathways with San Jacinto College aimed at preparing residents for advanced chemical synthesis manufacturing careers, requiring no prior experience. The company is separately donating $2.5 million to the San Jacinto College Foundation to fund student scholarships. San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer said the partnership will expand industry-informed education and hands-on training pathways for both new students and incumbent workers.
Texas Governor calls project the largest API investment in state history
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the $6.5 billion investment represents the largest active pharmaceutical ingredient project in Texas history. Lilly Chair and CEO David A. Ricks said the site will "help change the game for tens of millions of people suffering from overweight, obesity and its consequences like diabetes,