The investment is expected to expand Astellas’ capacity and capabilities for aseptic drug products in Ireland, strengthen stable production for global supply and expedite the development and marketing of antibody drugs and other new products
A concept image of Astellas’ new aseptic drug product facility in Ireland. (Credit: PR Newswire/Astellas Pharma Inc.)
Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma has unveiled plans to invest over €330m to build a new aseptic drug product facility in County Kerry, Ireland.
To be spread over 44.7 acres, the facility will be located at Kerry Technology Park in Tralee with a total floor area of 17,000m².
According to Astellas, the facility will have a three-story building with a site area of approximately 7,300m².
The Japanese firm will submit a planning application for the plant to the Industrial Development Authority’s (IDA), which is Ireland’s official agency responsible for foreign direct investment.
The investment is intended to expand Astellas’ capacity and capabilities for aseptic drug products in Ireland.
The facility will also strengthen stable production for global supply and expedite the development and marketing of antibody drugs and other new products, the pharmaceutical firm said.
Astellas chief manufacturing officer Hideki Shima said: “Astellas is developing innovative drugs and technologies based on our Focus Area research and development approach, placing patients at the forefront of everything we do.
“With the new facility, Astellas will aim to strengthen our in-house production capacity and capabilities and ensure a stable supply of high-quality Astellas medicines to patients around the world.”
The new aseptic drug product facility in Ireland will be built as per Astellas’ sustainability targets and values. It will incorporate the national and worldwide standards for energy and environmental design.
The project seeks to reduce operational energy intensity by more than one-third, reduce water use by almost half, and generate zero waste for landfill, Astellas said.
IDA CEO Michael Lohan said: “Astellas already has a presence in both Kerry and Dublin and this significant investment of approximately €330m, adding a new state-of-the-art aseptic drug product facility, underscores the strategic importance Ireland plays in Astellas’ global operations.”
Recently, Astellas partnered with Menarini Asia-Pacific to develop, manufacture, and market Smyraf 50mg and 100mg tablets in Taiwan.