Novo Nordisk invests €432m to expand Wegovy pill plant in Athlone

Novo Nordisk's facility in Monksland, Athlone, Ireland. Stock Generic

Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk is to invest €432m in its Athlone facility to increase the manufacturing capacity for its Wegovy weight-loss product.

The Danish drugmaker said the expansion provides them with additional manufacturing capabilities for oral products, will enhance supply and makes Ireland a critical hub for servicing markets outside the US. 

Novo Nordisk has been a pioneer of the new wave of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, with Ozempic being in huge demand since it was launched. 

Other companies, notably Eli Lilly havce followed by developing their own versions. A new generation of weight loss drug,s which can be taken orally rather than as an injection are expected to grow sales further.

Novo Nordisk's oral weight loss drug Wegovy is catching up quickly on Ozempic for sales, but faces stiff competition from Eli Lilly's Zepbound, key elements of which are manufactured in Kinsale.

The company said the investment in Athlone includes the upgrade and retrofit of the existing facility, and said it reinforces Novo Nordisk’s long-term commitment to Ireland.

Construction has already begun on the expansion and upgrade of the facility across 45 acres that will be completed by the end of 2027 and into 2028. Novo Nordisk currently employs 260 workers in Athlone. Up to 600 workers will be employed during the construction phase.

"With the investment in the Athlone facility, Novo Nordisk is expanding its production capacities for oral products, which will enable us to meet both current and future global demand outside the US,” said Kasper Bodker Mejlvang, EVP CMC and Product Supply, Novo Nordisk. “This investment, a historic milestone for Novo Nordisk in Ireland, marks our continued commitment to Athlone, Ireland and our highly skilled employees while allowing us to make a difference for millions of people living with serious chronic diseases.” 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said the announcement is a vote of confidence in Athlone. "Ireland hosts nine of the top 10 global pharma companies, producing a significant portion of the world's most innovative drugs, solidifying our country’s role as a central hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing.” 

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA said the investment demonstrates the strength of Ireland’s value proposition as a location for innovation and underlines the importance of regional balance in driving sustainable economic growth.

Dilek Dogan Gurluk, General Manager, Novo Nordisk Ireland said: "Ireland faces a significant public health challenge. Over the past 30 years, rates of overweight and obesity have risen sharply across all age groups, social classes, and genders. Today, Ireland ranks among the highest in Europe, with 60% of adults and more than 20% of children living with overweight or obesity. These trends are shaped by the environments in which we live, work and age, and they demand a comprehensive model of care for patient treatment.”