New York-based pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer has announced it will begin production of a component of its Covid-19 vaccine at its Grange Castle facility in west Dublin, Ireland, by the end of 2021. The company will invest $40m to produce the mRNA drug substance for the BioNTech vaccine and create 75 jobs.
In a statement, Pfizer explained that the move is part of plans with its partner, Germany-based BioNTech, to enhance the vaccine’s supply chain. These plans include expanding existing facilities, adding more suppliers, and contracting manufacturers around the world to produce the vaccine.
The company’s vice-president for global supply, Dr Paul Duffy, said: “This is a very significant moment for Ireland and for our Grange Castle site. We are immensely proud to be able to play a part in manufacturing Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine.”
Pfizer previously announced plans to invest $365.5m €300m) in its Irish operations across Grange Castle, Newbridge and Ringaskiddy in November 2020.
