Virginia’s Pharma Boom: A New Hub Forges Ahead With $12.5B Investment & Workforce Initiative

RICHMOND, VA – November 20, 2025

Virginia is rapidly emerging as a national leader in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, fueled by a landmark $12.5 billion investment from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Merck, and bolstered by the launch of the Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (VCAPM). This confluence of capital and commitment is not only reshaping the state’s economic landscape but also addressing a critical national need: a robust and resilient domestic biopharmaceutical supply chain.

Reshoring & The Rise of a New Manufacturing Corridor

The recent wave of investment signals a significant shift in the pharmaceutical industry, a move towards ‘reshoring’ production to the United States. “Companies are realizing the vulnerabilities of relying on overseas manufacturing,” explains one industry analyst. “Supply chain disruptions, geopolitical risks, and a desire for greater control over quality are all driving this trend.” Virginia’s appeal lies in a combination of factors: a business-friendly climate, a strategic location within reach of major markets, and, crucially, a growing pool of skilled talent.

The commitments from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, and Merck are substantial. AstraZeneca is investing $4.5 billion in Albemarle County, focusing on chronic disease drug substance manufacturing and antibody-drug conjugates. Eli Lilly is building a $5 billion facility in Goochland County, specializing in bioconjugate and antibody therapies. Merck is committing $3 billion to Elkton, establishing a Center of Excellence for pharmaceutical ingredients and small molecule manufacturing. Collectively, these projects promise thousands of high-paying jobs and a significant boost to the state’s economy.

Bridging the Skills Gap with VCAPM

While capital investment is crucial, it’s only half the battle. A skilled workforce is essential to operate these advanced manufacturing facilities. This is where the Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (VCAPM) comes into play. The center, a collaborative effort between the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and leading universities and community colleges, is designed to address the growing skills gap in the biopharmaceutical industry.

“The goal is to create a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model that provides comprehensive training, from foundational skills to advanced degrees,” explains a program director at VCAPM. “We’re not just training people to operate equipment; we’re preparing them to be innovators and leaders in the field.” The center’s curriculum will emphasize hands-on, GMP-simulated training, ensuring that graduates are immediately ready to contribute to the workforce. It’s an ambitious effort, aiming to graduate 2,000-2,500 skilled professionals annually, but the stakes are high. The demand for skilled biopharmaceutical manufacturing workers is growing rapidly, and Virginia is positioning itself to be a leading provider of this talent.

A Regional Ecosystem Takes Shape

The rise of Virginia as a biopharmaceutical hub isn't happening in a vacuum. The region is fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, bringing together industry, academia, and government. The Alliance for Building Better Medicine (ABBM) has played a pivotal role in this effort, advocating for policies that support the growth of the industry and attracting investment to the region. “The ABBM has been instrumental in creating a collaborative environment where companies can thrive,” says a regional economic development official. “They’ve brought together key stakeholders and helped to build a shared vision for the future.”

VCAPM benefits from a network of partner institutions, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, and several community colleges. This collaborative approach ensures that training programs are aligned with industry needs and that students have access to cutting-edge resources. The program also emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, offering pathways to careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing for individuals from diverse backgrounds. One initiative aims to provide targeted training and support for underrepresented groups, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in this growing industry. The combined investment underscores a strategic commitment, signaling that Virginia isn’t just attracting capital, but building a sustainable, long-term ecosystem for biopharmaceutical innovation.

Virginia's success isn't isolated. It's part of a larger trend towards strengthening domestic manufacturing and building resilience in critical supply chains. But Virginia is differentiating itself through its commitment to workforce development, its collaborative ecosystem, and its strategic location. As the biopharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, Virginia is poised to be a leading force in shaping its future.