Advanced facility boosts Ireland's biopharma capabilities

The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) has officially opened its advanced therapies facility, expanding its capacity and capability to conduct manufacturing-focused research and training in advanced therapeutics, such as cell therapies, gene therapies, mRNA and DNA-based therapies and other novel biologic-based medicines and vaccines.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin attended the opening at NIBRT’s facility in Dublin, which will accommodate around twenty-five new researchers and training staff, expanding its services to new and existing NIBRT clients. The €21 million project supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, incorporates 1,800 m2 of new space including seven research laboratories and high tech training suites, into the existing NIBRT facility, which also houses CONCEPT, a €6.5M SFI/IDA co-funded research suite dedicated to the early-stage development of biologic therapies.

At the launch Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD said:  “This new Advanced Therapeutics manufacturing research and training facility, funded by the Irish Government, will further Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in biopharma manufacturing. It is important to continuously invest in this evolving area so that Ireland’s biopharma sector, with its highly skilled workforce, remains attractive to investors in this complex and innovative area of life saving medicines.”

NIBRT CEO Darrin Morrissey also commented “The role of NIBRT is to help the growth and development of the biopharma manufacturing sector in Ireland by providing cutting edge training and research solutions. NIBRT intends to further enhance our current capability by becoming a leader in the pioneering and fast-evolving area of advanced therapies and vaccines. It is an immensely exciting time for NIBRT. With this expansion, we expect to deliver training for many more potential and newly-hired biopharma staff, as well as considerable growth in our research activities. This has the potential to rapidly enhance Ireland’s standing as a location of choice for advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing.”

Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland said: “Ireland’s thriving biopharma sector, coupled with its abundant talent pool and dynamic business ecosystem, underscores our appeal as a premier destination for this investment. Congratulations to NIBRT on the opening of their new facility, which further strengthens Ireland’s position as a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.”

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