Global biopharmaceutical company Ipsen has announced an investment of €27 million to upgrade and expand its manufacturing site in Blanchardstown in Dublin.

Today's announcement follows the company's €25 million investment earlier this year, and brings its total investment to €52 million in 2021.

Ipsen said the investment will increase its capacity in Ireland to produce vital medical treatment that helps patients suffering from both niche cancers and rare diseases.

It said manufacturing had commenced at the site in Dublin in recent weeks, with new equipment enabling more efficient and sustainable production processes.

It said these will significantly increase Ipsen’s production of the active ingredient for one of its leading rare cancer treatments next year.

In Dublin for over 30 years, Ipsen said the new investment is part of its continued growth in the Irish market.

"Our dedicated employees here in Ireland are driven by a shared commitment to deliver life-changing care for patients with rare and underserved medical conditions," said Tim Shanahan, Head of Site in Dublin for Ipsen Ireland.

"Our cumulative investment of €52 million in Ipsen's Irish manufacturing site this year will enable our team of 165 in Dublin to significantly scale its production of vital and innovative treatments as we move forward into 2022," he added.