AbbVie is investing $195m to strengthen domestic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production within the US, with the expansion of its manufacturing plant in North Chicago, Illinois.
This development is part of a larger commitment by the company to invest more than $10bn in US capital for innovation and critical manufacturing capacity enhancement.
The process of API manufacturing involves creating the active components that are essential for the therapeutic effects of medications.
AbbVie aims to enhance its chemical synthesis capabilities in the country with this new facility, which will support current and future neuroscience, immunology and oncology medicines' domestic production.
AbbVie chairman CEO Robert Michael stated: "Over the next decade, AbbVie will expand production of API, drug product, peptides and medical devices in the US to support future medical breakthroughs.
"This is an important step to maintain US leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and deliver next-generation medicines that make a remarkable impact on patients' lives."
The construction on the new API facility in North Chicago is set to commence in autumn 2025, with the site fully operational by 2027.
This development will enlarge AbbVie's current manufacturing presence in the US. The company creates more than 6,000 jobs across 11 sites and supports many more through its supplier networks.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated: “AbbVie's decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in Illinois is a testament to our state's world-class workforce, infrastructure, cutting-edge research institutions and location that keeps businesses connected to the nation and the world.
“As a global leader in pharmaceuticals, AbbVie's investment in Illinois bolsters our world-class biomanufacturing ecosystem and creates jobs while it innovates next-generation medicines.”
In August 2025, Genmab and AbbVie announced that their subcutaneous bispecific antibody, Epkinly (epcoritamab), had met its dual primary endpoints as a second-line combination therapy for relapsed or refractory (r/r) follicular lymphoma (FL).
