Eli Lilly's $6B Alabama Investment: New API Manufacturing Plant in Huntsville

Eli Lilly and Company is a leading global pharmaceutical and biomedical corporation founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company is renowned for its commitment to scientific innovation and high-quality medicines that improve human and animal health worldwide[1][4][6]. From its origins as a small drug manufacturer, Lilly has grown into one of the largest research-based pharma companies, employing over 42,900 people as of 2023 and operating in more than 125 countries[1][2]. A landmark in Lilly’s history was its pioneering role in commercializing insulin in the early 1920s, making it the first company to mass-produce this life-saving therapy for diabetes following its discovery in Toronto. This breakthrough not only transformed diabetes care but established Lilly as a global leader in biologic medicines[2][3]. The company also played a critical role in public health by mass-producing the polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk in 1955, contributing significantly to the control of this once-devastating disease[2][3]. Throughout the 20th century, Eli Lilly developed several blockbuster drugs that shaped modern medicine, including Prozac (fluoxetine), one of the first widely used antidepressants introduced in 1986; Zyprexa (olanzapine), an antipsychotic launched in 1996; and Cymbalta (duloxetine), used for depression and anxiety, introduced in 2004[2][3]. More recently, Lilly has expanded its leadership in metabolic health with innovative therapies such as Trulicity, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, targeting diabetes and obesity[1][2][3]. Eli Lilly’s mission integrates scientific discovery with a strong ethical framework emphasizing integrity, excellence, and respect for people. Its philanthropic arm, the Lilly Endowment, founded in 1937, supports community and educational initiatives[3][4]. Today, Lilly remains at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation, wit