Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN) has completed a $120 million expansion of its monoclonal antibody manufacturing facility in Elwood, Kansas, increasing production capacity by more than fourfold. The 25,000-square-foot project includes upstream and downstream processing equipment, a pilot plant for process development and clinical testing, a quality control laboratory, and supporting infrastructure.
The expansion, announced in 2024, was completed on schedule and announced on August 26, 2026. An additional $30 million is planned for warehousing through 2028, bringing total investment to $150 million. Design and construction were led by Burns & McDonnell.
The facility supports Elanco’s monoclonal antibody pipeline, including Befrena (tirnovetmab), a canine allergic and atopic dermatitis treatment. Customer demand for Befrena has already exceeded expectations by two times, with unconstrained production levels expected by early 2027. The company’s Trutect, a canine parvovirus therapeutic, received full approval in 2025.
Elanco is one of two animal health companies with commercial monoclonal antibody solutions. A 2026 survey of 1,409 U.S. pet owners found pet health and wellness remain top spending priorities despite broader inflationary pressures.
Grace McArdle, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Quality, said the expansion aligns with Elanco’s innovation pipeline and manufacturing capabilities.
