Pharmaceutical research giant APC is to open its new headquarters in Cherrywood Business Park, Dublin, with the creation of 100 jobs.
Having been formed in 2011 by Prof Brian Glennon and Dr Mark Barrett from the school of chemical and bioprocess engineering in University College Dublin, APC officially opened its 6,000sqm premises at a launch this morning (15 February).
Aside from being the company’s headquarters, the building will also be APC’s highly-advanced process research facility for biopharmaceuticals in the processes of informatics and other advanced analytical means to help streamline the development of their medicines in various fields, including cancer and HIV.
According to Barrett, APC’s CEO, the 100 jobs will all be highly-skilled research and development jobs across the areas of chemical engineering, sciences and analytics.
The company is currently partnered with eight of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in the sector, as well as half of the major biotech firms.
‘Turning a wonder molecule into a mass-produced medicine’
APC has predicted that, by 2020, 80pc of its services will be aimed at exporting to foreign markets, which will increase its revenues from its current level of €15m per annum to €50m.
Speaking at the launch, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said: “I am delighted to welcome the announcement by APC of 100 new jobs in Dublin. This new research centre is a vote of confidence in Ireland and enhances our reputation as a leading location for pharmaceutical research and development.”
Highlighting the risk that was involved in establishing the company in the midst of an economic recession, Barrett added: “Turning a wonder molecule into a mass-produced medicine presents serious scientific and technological challenges, even for some of the largest companies in the world. In our research, Brian and I saw an opportunity”.
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Pharma research image via Shutterstock
