Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) announced the completion of a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing expansion at its Elwood, Kansas facility, representing a $120 million investment aimed at increasing monoclonal antibody (mAb) production capacity.

The expansion increases the site's production capacity by more than four times through new upstream and downstream processing equipment. It also includes a new pilot plant for process development and clinical testing materials, a new quality control laboratory, and additional support spaces. Burns & McDonnell, a Kansas City, Mo.-based design-build firm, led the project. An additional $30 million investment is planned through 2028 for warehousing, bringing the total planned investment to $150 million.

The Elwood facility currently manufactures two Elanco mAb products: Befrena (tirnovetmab), a recently launched anti-IL-31 injection for canine allergic and atopic dermatitis, and Trutect, which received full approval in 2025 as a therapeutic for canine parvovirus. According to CEO Jeff Simmons, customer demand for Befrena has run twice above expectations, and the company anticipates reaching unconstrained supply levels in early 2027.

"The expanded monoclonal antibody capacity ensures that as Elanco continues to pioneer breakthroughs in animal health, we are ready to meet pet owner and veterinarian demand with a safe and reliable supply," said Grace McArdle, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing and Quality.

Elanco said the expansion was announced two years prior and was completed on time. The company cited a survey of 1,409 U.S. pet owners conducted earlier this year, which found that pet health and wellness remain a protected budget priority despite rising costs across other spending categories.