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Novo Nordisk Invests €432 Million to Expand Athlone Plant for Oral GLP-1 Tablets

The upgrade positions the site to supply markets outside the U.S. ahead of a possible EMA decision on the Wegovy pill.

Overview

  • Construction at the Monksland, Athlone facility has begun, with upgrades and a new tabletting line slated to complete in phases from late 2027 through 2028.
  • The expansion will add capacity for oral GLP-1 medicines, including the tablet form of Wegovy intended for non-U.S. markets.
  • Novo reports rapid U.S. uptake of oral Wegovy, with about 246,000 patients by mid-February, reinforcing plans to scale global tablet production.
  • The company projects up to 500 construction jobs at the 45-acre site, though some reporting cites up to 600 roles.
  • The Wegovy pill is under EMA review with potential European approval expected by year-end, a development seen as important to competition with Eli Lilly.