GE HealthCare has invested $138m into a new GMP fill/finish manufacturing site in Carrigtohill, Cork.
The novel Irish facility will allow the company to produce 25 million more doses of contrast media per year by the end of 2027.
Standing at 3000m2, the site will support the production of established and pipeline solutions through a new filling line, powder handling systems and solution preparation vessels.
The site will also be automated, allowing GE HealthCare to efficiently provide contrast media to the global medical imaging market.
This follows the prediction that iodine-based contrast media — commonly used in X-ray and CT procedures will double during the next 10 years.
The Carrigtohill site will work in tandem with GE HealthCare's other fill/finish production sites in China and Norway.
Site Leader and Managing Director of GE HealthCare Ireland, Eugene Barrett, commented: "This expansion strengthens our longstanding presence in Cork, where we have a highly skilled team, access to leading talent in the pharmaceutical industry, strong distribution links around the world and a great partnership with IDA Ireland."
"First doses from our new facility are expected by the end of 2027 and we are proud of the impact our site will continue to make for patients around the world.”
IDA Ireland Executive Director Michael Lohan said, “This is the latest of GE HealthCare’s investments in its Cork site which has been producing vital pharmaceuticals for over 30 years. The continued growth and development of the site is testament to its commitment to serving patients and to Ireland’s leadership and support for the pharmaceutical industry.”
Construction will begin at the Carrigtohill facility in February 2025.