DUBLIN: American pharmaceutical company Pfizer has confirmed it will produce the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Ireland. The company announced that its Grange Castle facility in West Dublin will be used as part of its vaccine supply chain.
The company plans to start making mRNA substance, a component of the vaccine, by the end of the year. The project will involve a €32.8 million investment and will result in the creation of 75 new jobs.
The company’s Vice President for Global Supply, Dr. Paul Duffy, said: “This is a very significant moment for Ireland and for our Grange Castle site. We are immensely proud to be able to play a part in manufacturing Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the announcement as “historic,” and said that it will contribute in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a historic announcement, which builds on the extraordinary success story of Pfizer’s over 50 year manufacturing presence here in Ireland.
“As we rapidly step up vaccine roll out, in Ireland, in Europe and across the globe, today’s news is a fantastic development that will see Ireland fully play its part in this generational challenge,” Mr. Martin added.
IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said Pfizer’s decision emphasizes the importance of the pharma sector in Ireland. “This is most welcome news and a strong vote of confidence in the skills, expertise and capability to manufacture this mRNA drug substance substance here,” he said.
At the same time, Biopharmachem Ireland Director Matt Moran said that the decision of Pfizer to manufacture vaccine components in Ireland is a great news for the entire Irish biopharma industry. In his opinion, this move underscores the capability of Ireland’s biopharma sector.
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