Drugs company creates 20 jobs in Waterford

Twenty new jobs are to be created at a pharmaceutical company over the next two years, it was announced today.

EirGen Pharma, which is based in Waterford, said new contracts in Japan, USA and South Africa have paved the way for €3.3m expansion.

The company will beef up its research and development and manufacturing operations, creating 20 new "high value" jobs.

This will double the number of people employed at the firm which makes drugs typically used in cancer treatment.

Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said EirGen's expansion would strengthen Ireland's reputation for innovation.

"Their strong focus on providing dedicated research and development facilities, their export focus and the high value technology jobs they provide all combine to give EirGen a strong reputation in the international marketplace," she said.

"I congratulate them on their success and on this new investment programme."

The expansion is being supported by the taxpayer through Enterprise Ireland.