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Biopharma

  • Be part of an established ecosystem for pharmaceutical and biopharma activity, combining technology, talent and research

  • We offer regulatory stability, sub-supply capability, a multicultural workforce and collaboration opportunities with industry partners

Source the skills you need to make your investment in Ireland a success

Connect with us

Source the skills you need to make your investment in Ireland a success

Connect with us
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A Global Pharma Leader

Ireland’s life sciences sector has a global reputation for operational and innovational excellence. Leading industry names including Novartis, AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, Lilly, AstraZeneca, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and Takeda have significant operations here.

  • 90+ pharmaceutical companies operate in Ireland
  • 45,000 people employed in IDA client companies
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Geographic Positioning

Leveraging its strong base of pharmaceutical companies in Ireland, which is the world’s third-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals according to the UN International Trade Statistics database. The Biopharma and Medtech sectors are continuously evolving, expanding its capabilities to include innovation, digitalisation and next-generation technologies

  • €116+ billion annual exports
  • Third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals globally
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Collaboration Opportunities

Multinational pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland can find numerous opportunities for collaboration with domestic companies, a network of life sciences sub-supply providers, and multiple industry-focused research centers spanning a variety of technologies.

  • Facilitated sharing of best practice between companies
  • Active industry-academic partnership in technology, materials, manufacturing and more
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Strength in Compliance

Pharmaceutical companies in Ireland benefit from the country's exemplary compliance record with regulatory agencies like the FDA and EMA. These agencies collaborate closely with our Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to ensure trouble-free compliance.

  • 50 FDA-approved pharma and biopharma plants
  • Fair oversight of regulated companies and a culture of excellence in compliance
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World-Class Talent

Ireland’s industry can avail of skilled talent in existing pharma sites, experienced in quality assurance, quality control, product development, science and engineering. There’s also unrestricted access to the EU labour pool of over 240 million people.

  • Strong links with universities provide local talent matched to industry needs
  • Fast-track support for employment permits for skilled international labour

We are committed to Ireland and will work with all local partners to build this state-of-art next generation biomanufacturing facility as a showcase to the global biotech community

See similar companies in Ireland

West
Lilly
WuXi Biologics
Takeda
Novartis
Merck
Zoetis
Janssen
Johnson
Pfizer
Gilead
MSD
Regeneron
Abbvie
Baxter
GE Healthcare
Bristol Myers Squibb
Sanofi

Success Stories: Hear from leaders calling Ireland home

A proven path

See all Success Stories
MeiraGTx
Johnson Controls
Cadence
WuXi Biologics
Autodesk
AbbVie
Gene therapy startup chooses Ireland for commercial-scale manufacturing

Gene therapy startup chooses Ireland for commercial-scale manufacturing

MeiraGTx’s Shannon facility is unique, not only in Ireland but globally, as it streamlines gene therapy development, testing and manufacturing capabilities together in-house. This significantly reduces the time to patients for advanced therapeutic products, with months or potentially years saved.” -

In 2022, the HQ opened a new R&D facility focused on sustainable technologies

In 2022, the HQ opened a new R&D facility focused on sustainable technologies

I am proud of how Johnson Controls is leading the way in sustainable innovation and I am particularly proud of how OpenBlue solutions and services are transforming buildings to help businesses, communities and governments to reach their net zero goals.

Cork facility designated as European R&D Centre of Excellence

Cork facility designated as European R&D Centre of Excellence

The timing and scale of this Cadence investment is a real boost to Cork’s growing reputation as a specialised R&D hub. Due to our proximity to the University College Cork and Munster Technological University as well as to Ireland’s largest ICT research centre, The Tyndall Institute, the region provides an amazing engineering and computer science talent pool to draw from.

Pioneering Asian company locates first overseas factory in Ireland

Pioneering Asian company locates first overseas factory in Ireland

We are committed to Ireland and will work with all local partners to build this state-of-art next generation biomanufacturing facility as a showcase to the global biotech community

Software leader relocates its EMEA HQ to Dublin

Software leader relocates its EMEA HQ to Dublin

We selected Dublin because of its global business environment, talent, ability to support European languages, excellent long-term cost structure, and quality of life for employees. Dublin is a vibrant, multicultural and creative city. These qualities align well with our brand and culture and we think Dublin will be a great fit for us.

8 diverse sites across Ireland employing 2,500+ people

8 diverse sites across Ireland employing 2,500+ people

Ireland plays a critical role in supporting AbbVie's international operations. Our new AbbVie North Dublin (AND) facility will be a key node in AbbVie's global Operations network, serving as a European hub bringing together our Dublin-based supply chain, engineering, quality assurance and manufacturing teams for the first time.

Find your European home

Find your European home