“A decision that sustains and strengthens Germany as a location” (Habeck); “A really good day for Germany” (Lauterbach). It is rare that two federal ministers - Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach (Health) and Dr. Robert Habeck (Economy and Vice Chancellor) appear together at a press conference for a pharmaceutical company. All that was missing was Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research, to round out the triumvirate of ministries significantly involved in the topic. After all, the research-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company in Berlin announced far-reaching investment plans in Germany: construction of a new high-tech production facility in Alzey is to begin in 2024 - subject to the approval of the state authorities - for 2.3 billion euros. Initially around 1,900 employees will work in the new production network, and after completion in 2027 around 1,000 employees will work.

>> “This is an important decision that will further strengthen Germany as a pharmaceutical location,” said Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach, Federal Minister of Health, on the record. The swansong of Germany in this area is “simply not right”. Lauterbach continued: “We have a strong pharmaceutical industry and benefit from additional investments.” This is thanks to basic science that has been very good for years, but also to equally good engineering and skilled workers. This means that the conditions for basic science and production in Germany are excellent.
Lauterbach wants to create what is still missing together with companies like Eli Lilly and Company, by igniting the "next stage": bringing research and production of innovative products to Germany "even more likely." "Important laws" have already been passed to this end, and another important law will soon be passed that is intended to facilitate and accelerate medical research in Germany. This Medical Research Act is intended to simplify and accelerate the remaining problems with data protection and ethics in the approval of studies, while at the same time improving safety. Lauterbach: "There will be less bureaucracy and faster studies, and a highway of faster studies will emerge." This is something that other countries will also benefit from, because the results of the resulting studies will in turn form the basis for new products and the foundation for the further development of existing products.
However, since medical science, and especially pharmaceutical research, will also change because artificial intelligence and digitalization will play an increasing role, his ministry is also active in this area: With the Digital Act and the Health Data Use Act, "we want to make it possible for active ingredients to be developed more quickly in the future using artificial intelligence methods," and their effects can then be recognized much more quickly in routine care. These are possibilities that have previously only existed in pioneering countries like Israel. "This is exactly what he wants to do on a much larger scale, so that Germany can truly play a completely different role in the research, production, and further development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices," Lauterbach said. This, the Health Minister continued, is only possible because "we are also trusted." Lauterbach added: "And Lilly brings that trust today." The company is investing in Germany and is thus making a good investment that will pay off for the company because the products manufactured in this way will help patients. There are also research announcements for new products.
With the planned facility, Lilly intends to expand its global manufacturing network for injectable medications and the associated injection devices (pens). This will reliably meet the growing demand for diabetes medications, among others. Since 2014, Lilly has expanded its portfolio by a total of 21 medications and plans to introduce more in the coming years. "With every investment in our global manufacturing capacity, we are committed to serving the patients of today—and those who may need our medicines in the future," said Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President, Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "This state-of-the-art injectable manufacturing site, featuring the latest technology, will enable us to continue to reliably deliver safe, high-quality medicines."
With the new factory in Alzey, Lilly will operate a total of six production sites in Europe - including one in nearby Fegersheim near Strasbourg in France - and thus create operational synergies. Through the early involvement of Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) and the trusting cooperation throughout the entire period, Lilly was able to find the best possible location for this major project from a variety of attractive options.
"At Lilly, we are always looking for partners who share our vision of improving people's lives and are willing to help us bring the next generation of medicines to market," explained Ilya Yuffa, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly International. "With our investment plans in Alzey, we aim to take cooperation and innovation in Germany and Europe to a new level and pursue a common goal: finding sustainable solutions for patients." Lilly has already announced investments of more than $11 billion in manufacturing facilities worldwide over the past three years.
With the also announced investments of up to $100 million, the company aims to strengthen its relationships with the academic and public sectors in Europe, support the life sciences startup ecosystem, and diversify Lilly's growing presence in Europe. The goal: to accelerate the development of innovative medicines that can improve the lives of people worldwide.
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