Global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is strengthening its presence in India with a brand-new technology center in Hyderabad. Expected to be operational by mid-2025, the Hyderabad hub will be the company’s second capability center in the country, following the successful launch of its Bengaluru hub in 2016.
Hiring in Full Swing for Hyderabad Tech Hub
Eli Lilly’s CEO, David Ricks, recently spoke to CNBC-TV18, confirming that recruitment is already underway for the Lilly Capability Center India (LCCI) in Hyderabad. “We also have a tech hub in Bengaluru, but we’re expanding that in Hyderabad with a new tech center. We’re out hiring now,” Ricks stated, encouraging skilled professionals—especially technology engineers and data scientists—to apply.
In January, Eli Lilly announced its ambitious hiring plans, aiming to recruit between 1,000 and 1,500 professionals. India has been a key player in the company’s global research and development (R&D) operations, particularly through its Bengaluru center, which operates on a “follow the sun” model. This approach allows Indian teams to seamlessly take over projects from their US counterparts overnight, ensuring continuous progress in research and accelerating drug development.
Manufacturing Plans for Blockbuster Drug Mounjaro?
Beyond technology and R&D, speculation is growing about Eli Lilly’s manufacturing plans for its highly sought-after diabetes and weight-loss drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide). When asked about the possibility of local production, Ricks remained open to the idea. “There’s a lot of discussion about localizing or regionalizing supply chains, and as India grows as a market for us—Mounjaro may change that. We’re open-minded about possibilities here,” he said.
Eli Lilly officially launched Mounjaro in India on March 21, after its initial introduction in the US in December 2023. The drug, already available in the UK and Europe under the same name, is marketed as Zepbound in the US for obesity treatment. Touted as a game-changer in the fight against diabetes and obesity, Mounjaro’s entry into the Indian market could significantly impact healthcare accessibility and treatment options.
Opportunities Await in Hyderabad
With Eli Lilly’s Hyderabad tech hub on track for a mid-2025 launch and hiring in full swing, this is an exciting time for job seekers in the tech and pharma sectors. The company’s investment in India highlights its commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and cutting-edge research.