Alexion to expand biologics manufacturing with €65m investment

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Alexion, AstraZeneca’s Rare Disease group, will invest €65 million to enhance its production capabilities in Ireland. The investment will help the company scale up its biologics manufacturing capacity and expand R&D efforts over the next 18 months.

The money will go towards the installation of new drug substance production equipment and warehousing facilities to support ambient and cold storage at two sites: College Park in Blanchardstown and Monksland Industrial Park in Athlone. Additionally, a manufacturing sciences and technology lab will be built at College Park to support the scaling up of biologics drug substance manufacturing in the country.

The €65 million investment follows a €341 million investment in the Blanchardstown facility last year to establish a next generation active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing unit on the site.

Marc Dunoyer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alexion, stated “We are delighted to be further investing in our facilities in Ireland, an increasingly critical global hub for AstraZeneca operations, to support the continued growth of Alexion’s portfolio of medicines and meet our needs for expansion.

“This investment will allow for new capabilities for AstraZeneca in Ireland and support our global ambition to accelerate the development and delivery of life-changing medicines for more people affected by rare diseases.”

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan added: “Ireland’s ambition is to be at the forefront of driving the future of biopharma. Today’s announcement to continue to increase Alexion’s capabilities in Ireland further demonstrates the company’s commitment to the rich life science ecosystem Ireland has to offer.  

“The future of biopharmaceuticals lies in R&D and manufacturing opportunities, growth in advanced therapeutics, building employment opportunities in specialised roles and a commitment to a patient-centric, partnership approach.”

Trade promotion minister Robert Troy commented: “This news further cements Ireland’s reputation as a global centre of excellence for life sciences. I am particularly delighted to see continued investment in Athlone, and further endorses the midlands as an excellent place to invest, work and live.”