Italy has appointed Francesco Rocca, president of the Lazio region, as special commissioner to accelerate a landmark €2 billion ($2.3 billion) investment by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. The funds will go toward expanding and upgrading a manufacturing facility in Anagni, south of Rome, which was acquired through Novo Holdings’ 2023 takeover of Catalent.
The plant will focus on producing treatments for diabetes and obesity—two of Novo Nordisk’s fastest-growing sectors. “This appointment aims to ensure administrative speed and institutional coordination, essential elements for a project of this magnitude,” the Lazio region said in a statement. Production is expected to commence by late 2026 or early 2027, with full upgrades completed by 2029.
Government support and economic impact
The Italian government has designated the project as one of “pre-eminent strategic interest,” enabling fast-tracked approval processes for infrastructure and development. In line with this, the Lazio region has already allocated over €2.9 million for road improvements around the factory.
Novo Nordisk declined to specify which products would be manufactured but expressed appreciation for Italy’s support: “We welcome the government’s commitment to facilitating our investment and long-term presence in the region,” the company stated via email.
Job creation and regional growth
The investment is expected to create around 800 new jobs, bringing total employment at the Anagni site to approximately 1,500. Rocca emphasized the broader benefits: “This isn’t just an investment in infrastructure—it’s a long-term investment in health, innovation, and local prosperity.”
The facility will become one of Novo Nordisk’s key manufacturing hubs in Europe, alongside sites in Belgium and the United States. With strong institutional backing, Italy is positioning itself as a strategic partner in Europe’s pharmaceutical future.
