In December of last year, Ireland’s international research-based biopharmaceutical industry rolled out a new set of films, telling an impact and value story for medicines innovation as part of the latest edition of the ‘Innovate For Life’ campaign. A new campaign is now in development for 2021.
The 2020 campaign, #InnovateForLife, is a window on the world of medicines innovation right across the lifecycle – from discovery and development through to manufacturing and adoption by the health services. It is organised into three pillars – Patients, Places and Pioneers – capturing the economic and societal impact of the biopharmaceutical industry on patients’ lives, on communities, and on science and medicines development.
The 2020 content was multidimensional, interlinking perspectives from scientists, manufacturing staff, doctors and patients. The films tell an evocative story about Ireland’s heritage in biopharmaceutical innovation and the new frontiers our companies are pushing to help raise healthcare standards.
In Killorglin, Astellas is making an anti-rejection treatment used by organ transplant patients all over the world. In this rural part of south Kerry, innovation is at the heart of the community. Our story features Anna Pokojska, a kidney recipient and Transplant Games athlete, Louis Collins, Executive Director, Kerry Operations, Astellas, Fergus Foley, a local guesthouse owner, and Megan Staunton, Site Energy Lead, Astellas.
Louis Collins, Executive Director at Astellas (Ireland), states, “For over 28 years, Astellas has been a significant part of the economy and community in Kerry. More than that though, we have helped to power Ireland’s export-led growth, keeping medicines manufacturing going during the pandemic. The work we do in Killorglin is vital for transplant patients all over the world. We are proud of our impact locally, nationally, and globally. As part of ‘Innovate For Life’, we are telling that story.”
Oliver O’Connor, Chief Executive of IPHA, says, “During Covid-19, the role our industry plays in the economy and in healthcare is Astellas Pharmaceuticals, Killorglin especially obvious. We are proud of our companies’ response to the pandemic – researching and developing vaccines and treatments, keeping manufacturing going, ensuring the supply of medicines, and supporting voluntary, community and healthcare organisations in their frontline work.”
Michael Lohan, Head of Life Sciences at IDA Ireland, adds, “The foreign direct investment biopharmaceutical sector has a hugely significant impact on the Irish economy, with 34,000 people directly employed across all regions. It is the third-largest exporter of pharmaceuticals globally, accounting for exports of 70 billion. The sector has demonstrated a commitment to Ireland through continued investment, longevity and resilience. The industry has demonstrated real leadership in the global fight against COVID-19 through collaboration on research to dynamic supply chain responses, directly supporting the demands placed on the healthcare system and wider society. The ‘Innovate For Life’ campaign helps to tell that impact and value story – a powerful narrative for a consequential industry.”
