Pfizer has unveiled the final phase of a $21 million investment that it says will establish Adelaide as a global manufacturing-hub for cancer therapy filgrastim.
Pfizer acquired the facility as part of last year's US$17 billion acquisition of Hospira.
The upgrade to the facility based in the Adelaide suburb of Thebarton will be completed in mid-2016, allowing for the production and export of biosimilar filgrastim.
Mr David Gallagher, Pfizer Australia Chairman and Managing Director, who was joined by South Australian health industries minister Jack Snelling at the facility to make the announcement, said it “will become the largest biologic medicine manufacturer of its type in Australia”.
“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,” he said.
According to Mr Snelling, “The upgrade not only secures 100 local hi-tech manufacturing jobs, but will provide work for local manufacturing contractors managing the development and local tradespeople contributing to the highly complex and advanced fit-out.”
“Once up and running the plant is expected to inject $380 million into the South Australian economy over the next seven years,” added Mr Snelling.
The South Australian Government granted Pfizer a lease on Crown land adjoining its current facility, after negotiating for the Commonwealth tenants to move.
Health Industries South Australia provided negotiation support to Pfizer in dealing with regulatory obligations during the planning of the development.
Mr Gallagher acknowledged the support received from Health Industries SA and reaffirmed Pfizer’s commitment to research, manufacture and distribute high-quality, lifesaving medicines in South Australia and across the country.
“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.
Director of Site Operations at the Pfizer Adelaide plant Dr Tony Mulcahy said the development will “… further enhance the skills and capabilities of 100 South Australian workers.”
