Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) has announced a significant expansion of its biologics manufacturing facility in Elwood, Kansas. The 25,000-square-foot expansion represents a $130 million investment that will be carried out through 2026, aimed at bolstering the company’s monoclonal antibody (mAb) platform and building on the existing expertise at the site.
“This expansion of our Elwood manufacturing site is a pivotal move in advancing the most promising pipeline in Elanco’s 70-year history,” said Grace McArdle, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Quality at Elanco. “Our collaboration with Elanco R&D at this facility is central to providing innovative solutions that are revolutionizing veterinary care. We are grateful for the support from the State of Kansas, Doniphan County, and the City of Elwood in our mission to help pets live longer, healthier, and more active lives.”
Currently, the Elwood facility is instrumental in the production and distribution of Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA). Parvovirus affects over 330,000 puppies annually, with a mortality rate reaching up to 91% if untreated. CPMA is the first and only USDA conditionally approved, targeted treatment for canine parvovirus and marks Elanco’s initial foray into the mAb market, with further innovations planned for the platform.
The animal health industry is increasingly turning to antibody-based therapies, leveraging advancements in human health. These therapies are noted for their effectiveness and potential to rapidly resolve clinical symptoms or severe disease, playing a crucial role in enhancing pet health and the human-animal bond.
“Elanco’s R&D strategy is focused on delivering a consistent stream of high-impact innovations in key markets. In the Animal Health sector, we see significant untapped potential in monoclonal antibodies, and Elanco is one of only two companies in the industry currently offering monoclonals. The expansion of our Elwood facility is a critical step in scaling up the production of our future innovation portfolio,” said Dr. Ellen de Brabander, Executive Vice President of Research & Development.
Elanco anticipates launching its next monoclonal antibody product, targeting canine dermatology, in 2025, with the Elwood facility playing a key role in its production.
“Innovation that enhances animal health, especially focusing on the vital role pets play in our lives, is essential,” said Bobby Modi, Executive Vice President, U.S. Pet Health. “This expansion empowers our teams to deliver even more transformative solutions for pets and their families. As pets live longer, the need for new, innovative technologies to keep them healthy and active becomes increasingly important.”
The expansion project will not only double the facility’s production capacity with the addition of upstream and downstream processing equipment but will also include:
- A new pilot plant to accelerate the product pipeline
- A new quality control laboratory
- Additional support spaces
This investment will ensure Elanco remains at the forefront of innovation in animal health, offering cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of pets and their owners.
