For more than six decades, Puerto Rico has been a global powerhouse in pharmaceutical manufacturing, home to some of the most sophisticated operations in the world. But today, the story is evolving. A new wave of investment is reshaping the island’s innovation landscape, bringing with it cutting-edge technologies, bold sustainability commitments, and a surge of confidence in Puerto Rico’s ability to lead the future of life sciences. 

At the heart of this momentum are companies like Eli Lilly, Amgen, and AstraZeneca, making billion-dollar bets not just on infrastructure, but on Puerto Rico’s people, its ecosystem, and its strategic importance in the global supply chain. 

A Wave of Investment a Surge of Confidence

From Eli Lilly’s historic $1.2 billion expansion in Carolina, just outside of San Juan, to Amgen’s $650 million project in the central town of Juncos, global companies are reaffirming what the industry has known for decades: Puerto Rico is essential to their future. 

In total, these projects represent over $2 billion in new investment, the creation of more than 4,000 jobs, and a major vote of confidence in Puerto Rico’s ecosystem of innovation: 

• Eli Lilly will establish a next-generation manufacturing facility for its new oral obesity treatment, investing $1.2 billion, adding 100 high-skill jobs, and implementing sustainable infrastructure that will meet 85% of the site’s energy demand. 

• Amgen is expanding its flagship site in Juncos with a $650 million investment and 750 new jobs. 

• Coopervision is investing $500 million in the southern towns of Juana Díaz and Ponce, creating 700 new positions. 

• Terumo Puerto Rico has opened a $45 million medical device facility in Caguas, with 180 new hires. 

• Millicent Pharma is investing $45.5 million in Fajardo. 

• Carelon Global Solutions is creating over 300 jobs in Mayagüez through a $10 million expansion. 

• iPR Pharmaceuticals, part of AstraZeneca, recently launched a $9.7 million Bio Solar Park in Canóvanas to reduce emissions and increase energy independence—reaching a 60% reduction in carbon footprint. 

• Though not operating in life science space directly, it’s worth noting that Dot AI and Solx are leading new tech-driven manufacturing projects in Barceloneta and Aguadilla, respectively, focused on AI systems and solar panels that address the needs of companies in the sector. 

Why Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s life sciences sector has earned its global status. The island has long been a cornerstone of pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, with decades of FDA-regulated experience, a bilingual workforce, and a robust logistics and regulatory ecosystem. But what sets Puerto Rico apart today is its readiness for the future. 

These recent projects highlight: 

• Access to Specialized Talent: From engineers to regulatory professionals, Puerto Rico’s workforce is trained, experienced, and ready. 

• Infrastructure for Advanced Manufacturing: Companies are deploying cutting-edge technologies—including robotics, digital manufacturing, and AI—from day one. 

• Sustainability as a Standard: Energy resilience and sustainability are integrated into every expansion, with major investments in solar and cogeneration. 

• Strategic Location: A U.S. jurisdiction with global reach, Puerto Rico offers duty-free access to the mainland and a platform for worldwide distribution. 

A New Chapter in Innovation

Eli Lilly’s Vice President of Manufacturing put it best: “This isn’t just an investment in construction,it’s an investment in technology.” With plans to produce orforglipron, a next-generation oral treatment for obesity and diabetes, Lilly is anchoring a new era of production in Puerto Rico. The facility will implement process analytics, spray-dried dispersion tech, and AI-powered automation. 

Likewise, AstraZeneca’s iPR facility in Canóvanas has embraced a long-term strategy to achieve net-zero emissions while protecting adjacent wetlands and exporting to over 120 countries—a testament to Puerto Rico’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. 

Building the Economy of Tomorrow

At Invest Puerto Rico, we see these milestones not as isolated wins, but as part of a larger transformation. The island is reasserting its place as a critical node in global life sciences and tech supply chains. Let’s keep the momentum.  

Explore how Puerto Rico can power your next innovation: Learn more about Puerto Rico’s Life Sciences sector.