Eli Lilly and Company plans to invest USD 3 billion in China over the next decade to expand its local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities as it prepares for potential demand for new diabetes and obesity treatments.

The investment will focus on building production capacity and strengthening the company’s local supply system, particularly for orforglipron, an experimental once-daily oral GLP-1 therapy being developed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. The drug is currently under regulatory review in China after the company submitted a marketing application in 2025.

As part of the plan, Lilly aims to establish a domestic manufacturing and supply network for oral solid medicines in China. The initiative will leverage existing facilities, including its Suzhou manufacturing site, while also collaborating with local partners to expand production capabilities.

The move underscores the company’s long-term commitment to China, one of the world’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets. With the new investment, Lilly’s cumulative financial commitment in the country is expected to approach USD 6 billion.

The expansion comes amid rising demand for obesity and diabetes treatments globally, as drugmakers race to secure a share of the rapidly growing GLP-1 therapeutics market.

China’s large patient population and increasing rates of metabolic diseases make it a key strategic market for multinational pharmaceutical companies seeking long-term growth.