AstraZeneca said that it will invest $360 million in Ireland for setting up an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility for small molecules near Dublin.

The UK-based pharma giant said that the API manufacturing plant at the Alexion Campus in College Park will help ensure that its supply network around the world is fit for future growth.

The Irish API manufacturing facility of AstraZeneca will enable late-stage development and early commercial supply. It will employ the latest process technology and digital innovation in order to address the requirements of AstraZeneca’s new medicines pipeline with speed as well as agility.

The new facility is likely to generate nearly 100 direct jobs, which include scientists and engineers, in addition to other indirect jobs.

Ireland Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Micheál Martin 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.”

According to AstraZeneca, the investment program in Ireland is expected to considerably cut down commercialization lead times and costs, while introducing more sustainable manufacturing processes.

The pharma giant said that the future proof design of the API manufacturing plant in Ireland will enable the addition of the capability to produce a wide variety of medicines, including antibody drug conjugates, oligonucleotides, and other new modalities.

Pascal Soriot — CEO 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.”

  AstraZeneca, Dublin, Ireland, Micheál Martin, Pascal Soriot