Elanco Animal Health is expanding a key manufacturing facility

Photo courtesy of Elanco Animal Health

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, a developer of animal health products and services, recently announced a $130 million investment to expand its biologics manufacturing facility in Elwood, Kansas by 25,000 sq ft. This expenditure will last through 2026 and is intended to support the growth of Elanco’s monoclonal antibody (mAb) platform, according to the company.¹

The Elwood facility handles the production and distribution of Elanco's Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA). CPMA is the only targeted treatment for canine parvovirus to receive conditional approval from the USDA. Canine parvovirus affects more than 330,000 puppies annually and has a mortality rate reaching up to 91% if left untreated, according to a news release.¹

The CPMA is the company’s first mAb on the market, with future plans for further development in this technology platform. The Elwood facility will also be crucial for Elanco’s next mAb therapy, a potential product in canine dermatology, tentative for 2025, according to the company.¹

The company follows a research and development (R&D) model in its innovation endeavors, according to a news release.^1,2 “Elanco’s R&D strategy is centered around a consistent flow of high-impact innovation in key markets. In animal health, we believe monoclonals have untapped potential, and Elanco is one of only 2 companies within our industry that have monoclonals on the market today. We believe the monoclonal platform is a key path to deliver these new, high impact innovations—and today’s news about our investment to expand the Elwood site creates the footprint we need to scale up and manufacture our future innovation portfolio,” Ellen de Brabander, executive vice president of research and development, said in the release.¹

The animal health industry is placing greater emphasis on antibody-based therapies, leveraging advancements made in human medicine, according to Elanco. These treatments are expected to be critical in improving pets' quality of life and deepening the human-animal bond given the therapies’ recognition of their efficacy and their ability quickly address clinical signs or serious illnesses.¹

Along with increasing the manufacturing facility’s production capacity and installing new upstream and downstream processing equipment, the $130 million project will also include¹:

• A new pilot plant to accelerate product pipeline delivery
• A new quality control laboratory
• Additional support spaces

Moreover, Elanco’s expansion in Elwood’s Doniphan County is anticipated to generate around 70 new jobs over the next 2 years, according to KC Animal Health Corridor.²

"Doniphan County is thrilled to witness the remarkable growth and expansion of Elanco Animal Health in Elwood, Kansas. This achievement underscores the strength and potential of our local economy,” Adrienne Neibling, economic development consultant for Doniphan County, said in a news release.² “Elanco's commitment to innovation and excellence not only brings new jobs and opportunities to our county but also reinforces Elwood's position as a hub for animal health industries.”

References

1. Elanco Animal Health set to expand production capabilities in Kansas manufacturing facility. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. August 20, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://www.elanco.com/en-us/insights/elanco-animal-health-set-to-expand-production-capabilities-in-kansas-manufacturing-facility
2. Patriquin L. Elanco Animal Health Inc. to expand operations in Kansas City region. News release. KC Animal Health Corridor. August 20, 2024. Accessed August 26, 2024. https://kcanimalhealth.thinkkc.com/news/news-releases/2024/08/20/elanco-animal-health-inc.-to-expand-operations-in-kansas-city-region