The investment is intended to form a new packaging facility prior to the launch of multiple new Eisai products.
Located adjacent to the currently operating facility, the new manufacturing plant will cover a total space of about 2,900m² and will manage the packaging of its investigational anticancer agent lenvatinib.
Universities and Science, Business, Innovation and Skills Department UK state minister David Willettssaid that the company’s decision to invest in the UK reflects the government’s commitment to create the best environment for life sciences.
The company also has plans to include an approximate total floor space of 400m2 as packaging area for handling highly potent compounds accordingly to compliance with guidelines set out by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Construction of the new facility is planned to commence in September 2013 and is expected to complete in the middle of 2014, while operations are expected to commence in September 2014.
The Hatfield plant is operated by the company’s UK manufacturing subsidiary, Eisai Manufacturing, and acts as a marketing center of new products, including antiepileptic agent Fycompa as well as a production and packaging base for countries in Europe.