AbbVie has announced a $195m investment to expand its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production capacity with a new facility at its North Chicago plant in Illinois.
The initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to invest over $10bn in the US to enhance innovation and manufacturing capabilities.
The expansion will strengthen AbbVie’s domestic API production, supporting advancements in neuroscience, immunology, and oncology medicines.
API manufacturing involves complex processes to produce the active components responsible for medications’ therapeutic effects.
AbbVie’s new manufacturing facility will enhance its chemical synthesis capabilities, contributing to the production of both current and next-generation medicines.
AbbVie chairman and CEO Robert Michael said: “Over the next decade, AbbVie will expand production of API, drug product, peptides and medical devices in the US to support future medical breakthroughs.
“This is an important step to maintain US leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and deliver next-generation medicines that make a remarkable impact on patients’ lives.”
Construction on the new API facility is scheduled to commence in autumn 2025, with full operational status anticipated by 2027.
The expansion will boost AbbVie’s US manufacturing footprint, which currently supports over 6,000 jobs across 11 sites and thousands more nationwide.
With over 11,000 employees in Illinois, AbbVie will focus on development and manufacturing of advanced medicines for global patients.
Furthermore, AbbVie’s investment also strengthens its long-term commitment to Illinois, where its headquarters are located.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said: “AbbVie’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in Illinois is a testament to our state’s world-class workforce, infrastructure, cutting-edge research institutions, and location that keeps businesses connected to the nation and the world.
“As a global leader in pharmaceuticals, AbbVie’s investment in Illinois bolsters our world-class biomanufacturing ecosystem and creates jobs while it innovates next generation medicines.”
Recently, AbbVie agreed to acquire Capstan Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on RNA delivery technology, for up to $2.1bn in cash.
