AstraZeneca to build manufacturing facility in Ireland

ASTRAZENECA has announced that it is planning to build a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Ireland.

The next-generation API manufacturing facility for small molecules will be located at the Alexion Campus in College Park, Dublin. It will facilitate late-stage development and early commercial supply with a planned investment of US$360m. The investment in the facility is expected to significantly reduce commercial lead times and costs, as well as develop more sustainable manufacturing processes. It will have the capability to manufacture a wide range of medicines, including new modalities such as antibody drug conjugates and oligonucleotides.

Pam Cheng, AstraZeneca’s Executive Vice President, Global Operations and IT, said: “The future manufacturing of APIs for our medicines includes compounds with highly complex synthesis, requiring next generation technologies and capabilities that can respond quickly and nimbly to rapidly-changing clinical and commercial needs. This significant investment will ensure the AstraZeneca supply network is fit for the future.”

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 […] 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.”