Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: JAZZ) and its unit, GW Pharmaceuticals (GW) which has earned a reputation as a world leader in discovering, developing, and delivering regulatory approved cannabis-based medicines confirmed the official beginning of construction of its new, sophisticated manufacturing facility at Kent Science Park (KSP) in Sittingbourne.
GW Pharmaceuticals, now part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, has made a big investment in the UK, investing $100 million (£75 million) and generating more than 100 highly trained positions. GW has invested heavily in the KSP site over the last two decades, developing extensive in-house processing and manufacturing capability to suit the expanding demand for its medications.
Furthermore, the new state-of-the-art facility will be 60,000 square feet in size. The facility, which is expected to open in 2024, will support the company’s two regulatory-approved cannabis-based medications as well as potential capacity for other treatments under development. Jazz presently manufactures the extract, active pharmaceutical components, and developed medicinal products at KSP, which employs over 400 people and occupies 12 buildings. It is the hub of its global cannabinoid production operations, along with the UK.
In addition, the new facility was planned with the environment in mind, and this will continue throughout its construction and operation. Animal refuge boxes will be constructed to encourage animals in the vicinity, single-use plastics will be reduced, and over 1,100 solar panels will be put to offset some of the building’s energy consumption.
Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, George Freeman MP commented that Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ £75 million investment in an advanced pharmaceutical production facility is a strong vote of confidence in the UK life science ecosystem. Not only will this investment help the region create over 100 new high-skilled jobs, but it will also demonstrate UK expertise in cannabinoid science and medicine, which will benefit the UK and beyond.