Thermo Fisher doubles lab capacity at Cork site

The expanded site will see the development of medicines for cancer, lupus, diabetes and psoriasis, among other illnesses

Norma Kelly, Process Chemistry Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Conor Horgan, Development Chemist, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland at the official opening of the expanded laboratory at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Cork campus. Photo Darragh Kane

Pharma giant Thermo Fisher has officially opened an expanded laboratory at its Cork campus, doubling its capacity to develop medicines for cancer, lupus, diabetes and psoriasis, among other illnesses.

The new Scale-Up lab is the company's latest expansion of its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility since taking over the site for €90m from GlaxoSmithKline in 2019.

The purchase saw around 400 staff members transferred to Thermo Fisher, with the Cork base since seeing employee numbers increase by a further 100.

The US-headquartered business also employs 400 employees at its laboratory services facility in Athlone. 

Since then, Thermo Fisher says there has been a five-fold increase in clinical manufacturing capacity at the Cork campus, with the site gaining more than 20 global pharmaceutical and biotech customers in recent years.

The research and development centre of excellence was officially opened on Monday by Simon Coveney TD, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

“This facility will undoubtedly further position Ireland as a hub for pharmaceutical and manufacturing excellence," said Mr Coveney. 

“As a centre of excellence for chemistry development, our investment in Cork showcases Thermo Fisher's commitment to advancing development of critical medicines in Ireland,” said Vincent Hingot, president of the company’s Drug Substance business. 

“Our Cork colleagues are helping make life better for patients around the world."

Edel Collins, general manager of the Cork site, added, “This 20-litre laboratory is important in the development of medicines as it allows us to identify and address scale-up risks prior to large-scale manufacture. 

"With our existing laboratory at capacity, this new one will help address current demand while creating room for growth. It will allow us to support more customers and get potentially life-saving medicines to patients faster.” 

Thermo Fisher’s Cork site specialises in developing and manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients from early phase clinical studies  to commercial supply for a range of customers for use in life-changing treatments.

The pharma giant has an annual global revenue in excess of $40bn, with most recent accounts showing pre-tax profits at Thermo Fisher Scientific Cork Ltd more than doubled to €17.6m in 2021.