AstraZeneca PLC to invest US$360mln in manufacturing plant in Ireland

() plans to invest US$360mln in a new ingredients plant in Ireland that is expected transform the development and commercialisation of new medicines.

In a statement, the pharmaceuticals group said the next-generation active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility for small molecules, which will be located at the Alexion Campus in College Park in Dublin, will support its global supply network and make it fit for future growth.

The new plant is expected to create about 100 highly skilled direct jobs, including scientists and engineers, and further indirect jobs.

Using state-of-the-art technology, the new plant will allow for late-stage development and early commercial supply, AstraZeneca said.

The project was developed with the support and collaboration of Ireland’s investment agency, .

The company said the new facility is expected to significantly reduce commercialisation lead times, costs and introduce more sustainable manufacturing processes, contributing to its Ambition Zero Carbon programme. The plant will have the capability to manufacture a wide range of medicines, including new modalities such as antibody drug conjugates and oligonucleotides.

Pam Cheng, Executive Vice President, Global Operations and IT at AstraZeneca, 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, Ireland’s Taoiseach, said: “This US$360mln 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.”