Elanco’s Kansas expansion boosts biologics capacity amid pet health demand surge

Elanco has completed a major expansion of its Kansas site, increasing monoclonal antibody production capacity to support new animal health products like Befrena, as demand for advanced pet therapies accelerates.

Elanco Animal Health has completed a 25,000-square-foot expansion of its Elwood, Kansas site, a move that lifts its monoclonal antibody manufacturing capacity and underpins a broader push into biologics. The company said the project is intended to support its next wave of animal health products and strengthen supply for veterinarians and pet owners.

According to Elanco, the investment includes upstream and downstream processing equipment, a pilot plant to speed process development, a new quality control laboratory and additional support space. It also plans a further $30 million of investment through 2028 for warehousing, taking total spending to $150 million.

The expansion lands as Elanco begins rolling out Befrena, its anti-IL-31 treatment for canine allergic and atopic dermatitis, which the company says can start easing itch within 24 hours and provides relief for six to eight weeks. Befrena is its second US monoclonal antibody product after Trutect, the only approved therapeutic solution for canine parvovirus.

Chief executive Jeff Simmons said customer demand for Befrena has run at twice expectations, and that the added capacity should help the company reach unconstrained production levels in early 2027.

The company is betting that pet owners’ willingness to protect health budgets, even amid broader cost pressures, will sustain demand for higher-value therapies.