First-of-its-kind parvo treatment for dogs will be manufactured in northeast Kansas

A first-of-its-kind treatment for parvovirus in dogs — one of the deadliest puppy diseases — will be produced in northeast Kansas.

Elanco Animal Health Inc. and Gov. Laura Kelly's administration announced Tuesday that the company is investing $130 million to expand and renovate its manufacturing facility in Elwood, in Doniphan County. The expansion is expected to create about 70 new jobs.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the state is subsidizing the economic development. A Kansas Department of Commerce spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for any state incentive agreements with Elanco. An agency transparency database shows past agreements with Elanco for a Lenexa location.

The Elwood facility will be the flagship manufacturing location for Elanco's canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody, officials said. It is the first and only treatment for parvo, which affects an estimated 330,000 dogs a year nationwide, to be conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"Expanding the capabilities at our Elwood manufacturing site is a critical step toward executing the most exciting pipeline in Elanco’s 70-year history," said Grace McArdle, Elanco's executive vice president of manufacturing and quality, in a company news release. "In partnership with our Elanco R&D colleagues, this site plays a key role in delivering solutions that are transforming the way veterinarians and pet owners care for the world's animals.

"We appreciate the commitment of the State of Kansas, Doniphan County and the City of Elwood to help pets live longer, healthier, more active lives."

Ellen de Brabander, Elanco's executive vice president of research and development, said that "monoclonals have untapped potential" in animal health, and the Elwood investment "creates the footprint we need to scale up and manufacture our future innovation portfolio."

The Indiana-based company said it expects to have its next monoclonal antibody next year, described as "a future potential product in canine dermatology."

The manufacturing facility will double production capacity, Elanco said, and add a pilot plant, a quality control laboratory and additional support spaces.

More: First-of-its-kind parvo treatment may revolutionize care for highly fatal puppy disease

A news release from the governor's office said the project will boost the local economy with a stable, long-term employer while increasing tax revenues.

"Sitting in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, Kansas is a powerhouse in this critical sector — attracting companies from across the nation and around the world," said Lt. Gov. David Toland, who is also the commerce secretary, in a statement. "Elanco is an excellent example of the top-notch employers the Kelly-Toland administration is committed to partnering with as we grow the state's economy."

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd .

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: First-of-its-kind parvo treatment for dogs will be manufactured in northeast Kansas