Puerto Rico, which hosts more biotech manufacturing than any state in the Union, is positioning itself to lead in reshoring, a BIO delegation learned last week.

What happened: BIO President & CEO John F. Crowley led a March 11-12 BIO on the American Road tour of Puerto Rico’s biotech ecosystem.

Why it matters: “We have the greatest density of pharmaceutical and medical device companies in the world,” said Ivan Lugo, ED of INDUNIV, BIO’s affiliate in Puerto Rico. The territory leads U.S. pharma exports, at $54+ billion annually.

Reshoring: Puerto Rico is “playing aggressively” to reshore manufacturing, said PR Development Secretary Sebastián Negrón Reichard. Recently, Eli Lilly announced a $1.2 billion expansion in their Carolina, PR facility, and Amgen announced a $650 million expansion at their Juncos, PR pharma plant, the largest on the island.

Amgen’s investment reflects “the company’s long-standing commitment to U.S. biomanufacturing and global supply chain resilience, and underscores confidence in Puerto Rico’s skilled workforce and infrastructure,” said Thomas Seewoester, Amgen VP and Site Head.

Academia and research: University of Puerto Rico “is proud to contribute to the advancement of biotechnology” with a research center and skilled workers, said UPR President Zayira Jordán-Conde. The PR Science, Technology & Research Trust presented its biotech incubator and clinical trial center. “Patients are at the center of our clinical research strategy,” said Luz A. Crespo, CEO.

BIO’s view: “Through sustained investments in workforce development, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and strong partnerships between industry, academia, and government, Puerto Rico is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic biotech ecosystems in the United States,” Crowley said.

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