Biotechnology company LIfT BioSciences is expanding its manufacturing and clinical operations with the opening of a new subsidiary in Galway - Eolaíocht Bhitheach LIfT Teoranta.
The London-headquartered company said today's expansion to Galway marks a major milestone for LIfT as it establishes a presence in the European Union.
LIfT's work in Galway will be carried out in collaboration with the University of Galway and HookeBio and with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
It said its strategic expansion into the EU enhances LIfT's global footprint and underscores the company's dedication to continuous research and scientific innovation.
The new Galway site, which will create nine jobs, will strengthen its clinical stage research and manufacturing capabilities.
It will also provide access to Ireland's established centres of excellence and ever-growing biotechnology sector as LIfT brings its alpha neutrophil cell therapy which overcomes treatment resistance in solid tumours.
It is expected that by 2027, 15 to 20 highly skilled jobs will be created in Ireland across engineering, pharmaceutical science, and advanced biopharma industrial disciplines. This number is expected to reach 45 by 2028.
Alex Blyth, chief executive of LIfT BioSciences, said the new Galway site represents a significant development in LIfT's growth strategy by expanding its reach and expertise.
"We are committed to investing in manufacturing and clinical trials in the community of Ireland where we see an excellent fit with the expertise and supportive environment for breakthrough science," the CEO said.
"Following our first close of a Series A financing, this positions us well as we prepare to move into clinical trials in Ireland for our allogeneic first-in-class neutrophil-based immuno-cell therapy and other exciting pipeline developments," he added.
Teresa Burke, Project Manager at Eolaíocht Bhitheach LIfT Teoranta, said that being part of a team that's dedicated to working towards an incredible goal is truly inspiring.
"This expansion into Ireland brings an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders and I look forward to working together to drive this project forward," she added.
Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said that the collaboration between LIfT BioSciences, the University of Galway, and HookeBio highlights the existing regional strengths with the potential for global impact in biotechnology and other emerging life science technologies.
