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Why Ireland for MeiraGTx

MeiraGTx

Gene therapy startup chooses Ireland for commercial-scale manufacturing

Gene therapy startup chooses Ireland for commercial-scale manufacturing

  • MeiraGTX’s Irish facility will employ 100 people initially, potentially growing to 300
  • It is the first site in Ireland to deliver commercial-scale gene therapy manufacturing

MeiraGTx’s Shannon facility is unique, not only in Ireland but globally, as it streamlines gene therapy development, testing and manufacturing capabilities together in-house. This significantly reduces the time to patients for advanced therapeutic products, with months or potentially years saved.” -

Alexandria Forbes

President and CEO of MeiraGTx

MeiraGTx

Founded in 2015, gene therapy startup MeiraGTx focuses on developing potentially curative treatments for patients living with serious genetic diseases of the central nervous system, eye, and salivary gland. MeiraGTx believes that fine-tuning gene therapy could potentially expand its range to treat non-hereditary diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The company has six programmes in clinical development, including one compassionate use programme and a broad pipeline of preclinical and research programmes. 

A first in Ireland

In 2020, MeiraGTx set up its first production facility in Ireland, a 150,000 sq ft site at Shannon in the Midwest. It is one of the first investments of its kind in Ireland, capable of commercial-scale gene therapy manufacturing. 

This internal manufacturing capability now available to MeiraGTX helps to remove a key obstacle in the supply chain which can add significant cost in gene therapy manufacturing supply. The complex holds three facilities: one designed to be flexible and scalable for viral vector production; a unit to make plasmid DNA which is the starting material for gene therapy; and a quality control hub.

Building on progress

In 2021, to increase capability, the company began construction of a second viral vector facility, also located at Shannon. This site includes in-house quality control and fill and finish suites. 
 

How Ireland Helps MeiraGTx

  • MeiraGTX’s Irish facility will employ 100 people initially, potentially growing to 300
  • It is the first site in Ireland to deliver commercial-scale gene therapy manufacturing
  • Shannon facility is strategically important, helping MeiraGTx overcome supply blocks
Tanaiste Micheál Martin speaking at MeiraGTxs  Shannon facility

Tanaiste Micheál Martin speaking at MeiraGTxs Shannon facility

MeiraGTx’s industry-leading gene therapy manufacturing facility in Shannon

MeiraGTx’s industry-leading gene therapy manufacturing facility in Shannon.

MeiraGTx’s

MeiraGTx’s.

MeiraGTx’s industry-leading gene therapy manufacturing facility in Shannon

MeiraGTx’s industry-leading gene therapy manufacturing facility in Shannon.

MeiraGTX’s Irish facility will employ 100 people initially, potentially growing to 300

MeiraGTX’s Irish facility will employ 100 people initially, potentially growing to 300.

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