AstraZeneca ramps up aerosol production in France
AstraZeneca has launched new production lines at its production
facility in Dunkerque in northern France, following a 24 per cent
growth in its respiratory sales in 2003. The new lines will produce
aerosol-delivered medicines for the treatment of asthma.
facility in Dunkerque in northern France, following a 24 per cent
growth in its respiratory sales in 2003. The new lines will produce
aerosol-delivered medicines for the treatment of asthma.
The plant was set up in 2002, at a cost of €30 million, and has recently been expanded to around 18,000 square meters at a cost of €90 million. The unit also makes dry powder inhalers for asthma patients for the European market.
The new extension marks the latest stage in a process that started in 1991 when ASP, then part of the Astra group, set up at the French site. The group is now estimated to have invested some €500 million at the Dunkerque facility.
Respiratory drugs make up a sizeable portion of AstraZeneca's business, with the franchise achieving sales of $2.26 billion in 2003 out of total group turnover of $18.85 billion. The biggest respiratory product is Pulmicort (budesonide), an inhaled corticosteroid.
