Leading life sciences company invests €14 million and will create up to 250 jobs at new facility

Taoiseach Brian Cowen today (March 1st 2010) opened PPD’s new contract research facility, which will include an analytical testing laboratory. The new facility will create up to 250 high value positions for PhD-level students, analytical laboratory staff and other clinical development professionals. PPD are investing up to €14 million in the new facility which is supported by the Irish Government with the aid of IDA Ireland.

The analytical facility will conduct testing for clinical and commercial programs spanning all phases of drug development. The lab will allow the company to continue to serve its growing client base in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and to win business in this region. It represents PPD’s initial investment toward further expansion of its contract research operations in the country.

PPD is a leading global contract research organisation (CRO) providing discovery and development services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device companies and academic and government agencies. Clients include almost all of the world’s top 50 pharmaceutical companies and more than 250 biotechnology/small pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

Speaking at the opening of the new facility, Taoiseach, Brian Cowen said, ‘I am delighted to be here in Athlone today for the opening of PPD’s new contract research facility which will create up to 250 high quality jobs in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. PPD is a most welcome addition to the Midlands Life Science’s cluster and I look forward to a long lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between PPD and this region.’

‘The decision by PPD to locate this world class operation here is of great significance to this region and to Ireland as a whole. This is a strategic win for Ireland and is in keeping with the Government’s policy on building the ‘Smart Economy.’ PPD’s presence here represents a valuable contribution to the local economy and I look forward with eager anticipation to the growth and development of PPD’s Irish operation.’

Speaking at the opening,General David L. Grange, chief executive officer of PPD, said, ‘PPD will benefit from Athlone’s business-friendly climate and close proximity to the Athlone Institute of Technology, which offers qualified scientists and laboratory professionals. The Irish Government has provided strong support for our expansion, and we appreciate its continuing support as we continue to expand our Irish operations.’

PPD has applied to the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) for manufacturer licenses to support both investigational medicinal products and marketed products and laboratory certifications for quality control of medicinal products. As of March 1, PPD’s license applications have been assessed, and the quality system and premises inspected by the IMB. The progression of PPD’s applications are under active consideration by the IMB.