Cancer ‘key’ in development at Adelaide lab
A new pharmaceutical facility in Adelaide will develop what has been dubbed a medical key to unlocking some of the world’s most deadly diseases, including cancer.
Pfizer this morning officially opened a $21 million expansion of its medicine manufacturing facility in Thebarton.
The state-of-the-art plant is to produce and export a medicine used to treat complications in people with cancer to a global market valued at $4.6 billion.
The pharmaceutical giant’s Australia chairman and managing director, David Gallagher, said biopharmaceuticals would provide remedies for deadly diseases.
“As a leader in biopharmaceuticals, Pfizer is making high-quality biologic and biosimilar medicines available to help solve unmet medical needs – here in South Australia, across Australia and throughout the world,” he said.
“Biologic medicines hold the key to overcoming a range of life-threatening diseases.
“We will continue to work with the medical profession and all levels of government to ensure patients receive timely and affordable access to these important therapies.”
Gallagher said its Adelaide site would be the largest biologic medicine manufacturer of its type in the country and generate millions of dollars for the SA economy.
“This investment will establish the facility as an innovative world-leading manufacturing site and further enhance the skills and capabilities of more than 100 South Australian workers,” Gallagher said.
“The upgraded facility is estimated to generate more than $380 million for the South Australian economy over the next seven years.”
Minister for Health Industries Jack Snelling said the announcement was a significant milestone for state-of-the-art manufacturing in South Australia.
“South Australia is, and always will be, proud and supportive of its roots in manufacturing, and it is vital that industry leaders like Pfizer continue to view the state as an innovative, supportive and strategic place to do business,” Snelling said.
“The innovative manufacturing processes that will take place at this site will not only contribute significantly to the South Australian economy, but also to the health and wellbeing of millions of people worldwide.”
The upgrade is slated for completion in mid-2016.
