Monkland’s reputation as a biopharma hub growing with new announcement

Local TD, Denis Naughten has welcomed the announcement by AstraZeneca that it is to install new drug substance production equipment and warehousing facilities at its Alexion site in Monksland.

“This announcement is a further vote of confidence in the Monksland site which will expand Alexion’s drug substance production capabilities in Athlone and is a boost to the reputation of the area as a key biopharmaceutical hub in the Country,” said Denis Naughten.

He continued that “it is now important that we build on this expertise to attract further investment into our other local towns”.

Alexion, which has become AstraZeneca’s Rare Disease division since last year, is focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development, and commercialisation of life-changing medicines.

“Alexion focuses its research efforts on rare diseases around haematology, nephrology, neurology, metabolic disorders, cardiology, and ophthalmology. And sadly, right across the west and northwest of Ireland we have some of the highest incidence of rare diseases in Europe”.

“Some rare diseases are well known such as Cystic Fibrosis, Duchene Muscular Dystrophy and Huntingdon’s disease, it includes most cancers and all cancers affecting children.  In Ireland about 1 in 12 people are, or at some stage in their lives will be affected by such a condition. This means that approximately 825,000 Irish people are impacted by a rare disease when family members, many of whom are carers, are included”.

“So, this announcement which is part of a €65m investment in Athlone and Dublin is not only a huge boost for the local economy but also an incredibly positive development it helping to manage and treat rare diseases many of which appear early in life, with sadly about 30% of children dying before their 5th birthday “concluded Denis Naughten

Minister Denis Naughten announcing a €100m investment on the Monksland campus by Alexion