Irish drugmakers well placed despite challenges, says PCI
The group, the Irish Business and Employers confederation unit that represents drug and chemicals firms in the country, stressed Ireland’s combined strengths in manufacturing and R&D as key to future prosperity.
Group director Matt Moran said: “Leading international countries are grappling with the challenge of stimulating genuine collaborative initiatives between international and indigenous companies and research centres to develop and commercialise new products and services.
“Ireland’s small size and flexibility is a definite advantage in this regard as it is an ideal development test bed for the global industry to experiment and scale up new product and services.”
Quite how reassured the Irish drug sector will be by the comments, which echo those made by PCI in March, remains to be seen, particularly after Pfizer recently unveiled plans to cut manufacturing capacity in the country.
Nevertheless, the fact that PCI has developed what Moran called a 'factory of the future model’ combining drug R&D and manufacture indicates the industry is at least trying to make Ireland a more attractive destination.
The PCI’s full report on the Irish Pharmacetuical sector is available here.
IPHA wants more support for pharma
The focus on innovation as a business driver also fits with comments made by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA).at the recent launch of its Pharmaceutical Healthcare Facts and Figures report for 2010.
IPHA president Gerald Farrell said that: “In order that the industry can play a full role in Ireland’s economic recovery it is crucial that Ireland maintains its reputation as a country that understands and values innovation and the contribution of the pharmaceutical industry.
Farrell called on the government to maintain its current 12.5 per cent corporation tax rate and improve its R&D credit regulations to continue to attract pharmaceutical investment in the country.
