Elan Corporation Expands Biopharmaceutical Production in Ireland

---

Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE: ELN) (Dublin, Ireland) will finish its renovation project of the old General Semiconductor, Incorporated (New York, US) building in Macroom, County Cork sometime in June, with commercial operation of the new biopharmaceutical site beginning in July. The facility has been retrofitted with laboratories and manufacturing areas and plans are being developed for multiple unit additions and expansions with the investment costs estimated at approximately $60 million over the next two years. Elan will produce biopharmaceuticals, including Antegren (natalizumab), a drug therapy for those who suffer with multiple sclerosis that is being developed with Biogen, Incorporated (Cambridge, Massachusetts) currently in phase III trials. Construction on the new additions and expansions could begin as early as the spring of 2003.

Elan Corporation, plc was formed in 1969 with the concept of drug delivery with a controlled absorption by the patient. Elan researches, develops, manufactures, and markets drugs that target oncology, neurological disorders, and pain management. Elan boasts 4,500 employees worldwide and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the London and Dublin Stock Exchanges. Elan has facilities worldwide and their research and development division is headquartered at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.