2019 Life Sciences Sector Outlook

18/12/2019

The Irish Life Sciences sector has shown extremely strong growth in recent years with major investments from several large multinational companies such as MSD, BioMarin, WuXi Biologics, ILC Dover, DePuy and Pfizer, and the sector recording €39 billion in annual exports of pharma, bio and medical device products. With such a vibrant sector, Ireland’s prowess as a life sciences hub is a story in itself. We look back over some of the key announcements of 2019.

ILC Dover Officially opens new Production Facility in Cork with 70 new jobs

In May, MEP Deirdre Clune officially opened the new ILC Dover manufacturing facility in Blarney Business Park, Cork alongside ILC Dover CEO and President Fran DiNuzzo. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility equipped with 10,500 sq ft of clean room capability will enable the global leader in flexible containment solutions for the pharma industry to meet sustained market demand for their packaging solutions.

AbbVie to buy Irish-headquartered Allergan in $63bn deal

On June 27th US drug maker AbbVie has agreed to buy Allergan, the Irish-domiciled maker of Botox, in a $63 billion (€55.3 billion) deal that is the sector’s latest blockbuster transaction driven by the need to replenish drug pipelines. AbbVie employs 600 in the Republic, while Allergan employs 1,700.

Stryker to invest over €200m in Research, Development and Innovation projects

On June 13th Stryker announced that it is to invest over €200m in Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) projects at three of its five Cork facilities as it continues its vigorous innovation journey to deliver next generation products and services across its Medical Surgical, Orthopaedics and Neurotechnology and Spine offerings.

Pfizer celebrates 50 years in Ireland Ringaskiddy

In May Pfizer celebrated the company’s 50th anniversary in Ireland. Ringaskiddy was the first location of Pfizer in Ireland and has since expanded to six sites across the country including; Little Island, Newbridge, Grange Castle, Ringsend and City West. From an initial investment of €10 million in 1969, Pfizer's total investment in Ireland now stands at €8 billion

WuXi Vaccines investment to bring 200 additional jobs to Dundalk

On November 22, Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation Heather Humphreys TD confirmed that WuXi Vaccines, a subsidiary of WuXi Biologics is planning to build a $240 million vaccine production facility on the newly established WuXi Biologics Campus in Dundalk, bringing 200 additional new jobs to the town over five years.