AstraZeneca to invest $340 million on Irish site
pharmafile | September 21, 2021 | News story | Manufacturing and Production |
AstraZeneca has announced on Tuesday a $340 million plan to establish an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility for small molecules near Dublin, Ireland.
The new plant will allow for late-stage development and early commercial supply, adopting new technology that is designed to meet the needs of the company’s new medicines pipeline.
The deal was developed with the support of Ireland’s investment agency, IDA Ireland.
Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer of AstraZeneca, said: “This is a tremendously proud moment for us all at AstraZeneca and I am delighted that we are bringing this very significant investment to Dublin which, with the support of the IDA, will create highly skilled jobs, nurture the country’s dynamic life sciences sector and allow for the development of high value-added medicines.”
The Anglo-Swedish drug maker, which completed its $39 billion purchase of rare disease drugs maker Alexion in July, has a large portfolio of treatments for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and a COVID-19 vaccine, with several drugs under trials.
In a release, AstraZeneca said that the investment in the Alexion Campus in College Park is expected to create 100 highly skilled direct jobs, including scientists and engineers, and further indirect jobs.
Micheál Martin, Taoiseach, said: “I warmly welcome today’s announcement from AstraZeneca that it is to establish its first ever manufacturing facility in Ireland. This $360 million investment represents a significant commitment to Ireland and will see 100 jobs being created.
“In choosing Ireland as the location for its new next-generation active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facility, AstraZeneca joins the very strong and successful network of global life sciences companies we have in Ireland. I wish them every success with their operations here.”
The planned investment in Dublin can be developed further to add treatments such as antibody drug conjugates and oligonucleotides, as well as late-stage development and early commercial supply.
Pam Cheng, head of AstraZeneca’s operations and IT, said: “The future manufacturing of APIs for our medicines includes compounds with highly complex synthesis … This significant investment will ensure the AstraZeneca supply network is fit for the future”.
Kat Jenkins
