Hyderabad, October 6: In a landmark achievement for Telangana’s life sciences sector, US-based pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company has announced a $1 billion (₹9,000 crore) investment to establish new contract manufacturing operations in Hyderabad. This marks one of the largest pharma investments in recent years and is expected to generate thousands of job opportunities for the state’s youth.
The announcement came after a high-level Eli Lilly global delegation met Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu at the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) in Hyderabad on Monday.
Massive Step in Telangana’s Pharma Growth Story
The new manufacturing facility will significantly enhance Eli Lilly’s global medicine supply capacity and strengthen Telangana’s position as a world-class life sciences and pharma hub. The investment reinforces the company’s growing trust in Telangana, following the inauguration of its Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad on August 4 earlier this year.
Despite several states vying for the project, Eli Lilly chose Telangana for its favorable ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, availability of skilled manpower, and proactive government support.
Expanding Beyond GCCs — Focusing on Advanced Therapies
The latest investment marks Eli Lilly’s expansion in India beyond capability centres to advanced drug manufacturing, including medicines for diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Recruitment is set to begin soon, with opportunities across various disciplines such as engineering, chemistry, analytical sciences, quality control, assurance, and management.
With the establishment of this facility, Eli Lilly will undertake contract manufacturing in Telangana and export medicines globally, cementing Hyderabad’s role in the international pharmaceutical supply chain.
Government’s Support and Vision
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed gratitude to the Eli Lilly leadership for choosing Telangana and assured the company of the government’s full support for its future plans.
He recalled Hyderabad’s strong legacy in the pharmaceutical sector, tracing its roots to the establishment of IDPL in 1965 under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
“Indira Gandhi’s initiative in 1965 is the reason why Hyderabad stands as a hub of bulk drug manufacturing today. The city also played a leading role in global Covid vaccine production,” the Chief Minister said.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to industrial development, CM Reddy stated:
“Telangana means business. Hyderabad is a global city. Our government will support and welcome all industries looking to invest here.”
The Chief Minister also outlined the government’s initiatives to make Telangana a knowledge and innovation hub, highlighting the upcoming Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) at Genome Valley. He added that Young India Skills University, chaired by Anand Mahindra, will include leading pharma industrialists on its Board of Governors to strengthen the talent ecosystem.
Industry Leaders Praise Telangana’s Ecosystem
Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu termed Eli Lilly’s expansion a reflection of Telangana’s dynamic industrial climate and its rising influence in advanced healthcare manufacturing.
Patrik Jonsson, Executive Vice President and President, Lilly International, said the investment reaffirms the company’s confidence in India’s potential as a hub for global capability and manufacturing excellence.
Telangana’s Growing Global Footprint
With Eli Lilly’s latest move, Telangana strengthens its position as India’s life sciences capital, attracting consistent global investments in pharma, biotechnology, and healthcare innovation. The new manufacturing setup is expected to not only create high-value jobs but also open new avenues for research, technology transfer, and global collaboration.