Irland - PharmaChemical Ireland (PCI), representative of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in Ireland, have launched two strategy documents to date. The first, "Innovation and Excellence- PharmaChemical Ireland Strategic Plan" was launched in New York at DCAT in March 2010. It was followed by "Ireland- the Location of Choice for Scientific Investment" launched in Washington DC last year. PCI's mission is ambitious: Bringing together all relevant stakeholders in the state, namely industry, the Government, the research community and the public at large to effectively communicate the unique attractiveness of this country as a leading location for the supply and development of such products. "It has been well documented that Ireland is currently facing very significant economic challenges. However, my message is clear - Ireland is open for business. We have many unique strengths and our economy will return to growth this year." Enda Kenny T.D. (Taoiseach) said.

Awareness of Problems is Key to Solutions

Recent media coverage points to the penny having finally dropped with regard to the impending patent cliff. Though it may be news to the public at large it comes as no surprise to the sector in Ireland. PCI has established a standing committee on strategy and this committee continues to oversee the implementation phase. This committee brings together the industry, Government and its agencies and the research community. The industry continues to hold the view that the only way that the sector will meet the challenges presented by the patent cliff is to embrace the development plus manufacturing model thereby expanding the mandate of existing companies in this country (see below). The industry recognises the fact that it needs to work closely with the research community to assist in this process and also to uncover new opportunities for commercialisation of research. The industry also needs to try and access the health system to help the development of an effective clinical research base resulting in translational research and the evolution of a clinical trials infrastructure.

Meanwhile companies continue to drive down the cost of supply through smart application of lean manufacturing techniques. There are many examples of Irish sites significantly reducing their cost of goods via operational excellence. The industry continues to attract investment in development and high end manufacture including biopharmaceuticals vindicating the strategy adopted by PCI. In fact if you total the recent announcements it amounts to well over €1 billion. (see table )

In keeping with the theme that the sector needs to innovate to stay competitive, PCI hosted their Third Biennial Conference in collaboration with The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) and the Parenteral Drugs Association (PDA), titled "Transforming Ireland Through Innovation". A wide range of speakers explored in detail how the industry can apply innovation practically. High level speakers from the regulatory word- including Irish Medicines Board Chief Executive- Pat O'Mahony and Christine Moore from the FDA - outlined how industry can embrace regulatory change to its advantage and to the benefit of the patient. The high level of compliance by the sector here remains a key strength and an ongoing reason why companies continue to invest in Ireland.

Common thematics were explored via key note addresses and focussed workshops. Topics such as operational excellence, Quality by Design and Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Supply Chain and new business models were discussed in detail. There was an extensive range of speakers drawn from the industry, regulatory bodies and service providers from as far afield as India. This coming together of expertise underpinned the valuable critical mass of knowledge and experience that resides in this country supporting a strong and vibrant life sciences sector.

Finally, the pharmaceutical sector is undergoing a sea change at the moment as major companies seek to stay in the market. An inevitable consequence of this has been a series of mergers and acquisitions resulting in global overcapacity in the sector. Now more than ever it is critical that Ireland sends a positive message to the industry. Our healthcare policy supports access to innovative medicines and medical technologies that are developed in Ireland. It is vital that Government continues to take a long term view of the overall cost of healthcare. Medical treatment funding is regarded as investment in the nation's health and economic prosperity. Such an approach will send a positive signal to pharmaceutical companies. It is critical that Government policy is well aligned in this regard, if companies are been asked to support the sector by investing in innovation in manufacturing they would expect the Irish citizen to be able to avail of these innovations in the marketplace.

In conclusion it is fair to say that the sector here does face a range of challenges however it is also fair to say that the industry is well aware of these and that through PharmaChemical Ireland is responding to these challenges strategically. All evidence points towards this strategy being firmly on track.