Beginning with the arrival of Squibb (now Bristol Myers Squibb) in 1964, the Republic of Ireland has successfully established itself through a range of state initiatives as a leading global location for life science companies.
At present, more than 170 companies operate in the pharmaceutical, chemical, biopharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic sectors in Ireland. These companies include 13 of the world’s top 15 pharmaceutical companies and 15 of the world’s top 25 medical devices companies. The life science sector now employs more than 35,000 people in Ireland and accounts for more than €43bn (£30bn) in exports.
