SK Biotek, a global life sciences company, became the first Korean pharma-company to invest in Ireland. SK biotek announced the acquisition of the former Bristol-Myers Squibb API (active pharmaceutical ingredients) facility in Dublin in June 2017 and completed the deal by year-end 2017.

SK Biotek has confirmed that it plans to operate and develop Swords Campus as a stand-alone Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), which will manufacture pharma products to specification for other pharmaceutical companies on a contract basis. SK biotek has also confirmed that it intends to add marketing, research and development (R&D) talent, while investing to bring additional API manufacturing capacity to Swords Campus.

Speaking at the ceremonial flag-raising ceremony Dr Junku Park PhD, Chief Executive Officer of SK biotek, commented: “With Ireland being atthe forefront of global pharmaceutical manufacturing excellence, Swords Campusbrings with it a strong legacy and rich history – which spans 50 years of excellence in pharma production. The stellar reputation of Swords Campus both in manufacturing and regulatory affairs, and most importantly in its talented workforce who are joining us on the journey, will greatly help to drive our near-term ambition to become a leading global CDMO.”