BRIEF—Astellas plans major manufacturing site in Ireland

Japanese drugmaker Astellas Pharma is planning to build a new 300 million-euro ($350 million) manufacturing facility in Tralee, Ireland, adding to existing capacity and capabilities for aseptic drug products.

Based on the Industrial Development Authority’s (IDA) greenfield site in Kerry, the facility will help Astellas to develop and commercialize innovative antibodies and other new products.

The site will cover an area of approximately 45 acres, with construction due to commence in 2024, subject to planning permission. The expected opening date is in 2028.

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.”

He added: “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.”