Leading by Example: Life Sciences Manufacturing in Indiana

From Development to Delivery: Indiana's Edge in Life Sciences Manufacturing

Indiana’s heritage in life sciences manufacturing dates back more than 100 years. In 1923, Eli Lilly and Company became the first-ever organization to mass produce insulin for patients living with diabetes—helping change the trajectory of countless lives around the world.

Indiana stands as a leader in manufacturing, drawing envy from states nationwide. Our state leads the nation in pharmaceutical exports and holds the second place in exporting life sciences products. The path ahead is marked by significant opportunities, such as Lilly’s $9 billion manufacturing pledge in Boone County, our pioneering role in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing, and Ivy Tech's recent unveiling of a 4,000-square-foot Biopharma Science and Technology Lab. These developments position Indiana at the forefront of potential growth, provided we maintain our focus and continue to drive forward with unwavering commitment.

Our latest FrameWORX discussion on manufacturing was held before an overflow crowd on June 20 in the Fishers Life Sciences and Innovation District, another Central Indiana community that is booming with life sciences jobs.

Our host, INCOG BioPharma Services, has been around less than five years and recently received FDA approval for a new sterile injectable facility, positioning the company as an emerging contract manufacturing leader. Our other guests – representing diverse organizations such as Lilly, Purdue, IEDC, Langham Logistics, and Stevanato Group – agreed that Indiana’s leadership was underscored by the diverse and engaged crowd that showed up to learn and discuss how we can sharpen our skills.

There’s no finish line when it comes to life sciences manufacturing. Like the rest of the world, technology and customer needs are moving fast: AI, digital twins, and continuous manufacturing are evolving quickly, and Hoosier companies must keep up. Other states want what we have here – but we must keep the conversation going.

Thank you to our expert panelists:

• Riccardo Butta, President – Americas, Stevanato Group
• Cory Lewis, CEO and President, INCOG BioPharma Services
• Brooke Kendzicky, Sr. Director, Global Supply Chain Resiliency & Sustainability, Eli Lilly and Company
• Leanne Merriman, Director of Customer Experience, Langham Logistics
• Dr. Elizabeth Topp, Director, William D. and Sherry L. Young Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals Institute
• Jessica Tower, VP of Attractions, Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Thank you to our series title sponsors, Faegre Drinker, as well as our presenting sponsors and hosts for this event, INCOG BioPharma Services.

Join us on September 18 for our next FrameWORX, Fueling the Future: Indiana's Life Sciences Workforce.

Register now