Tag: pharma

Ireland’s Cold Chain Gets Smarter: The Growing Role of Freezer Containers in Food and Pharma Logistics

Ireland’s logistics landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution. As global expectations around product safety, regulatory compliance, and temperature-sensitive supply chains intensify, Irish industries are rethinking how they move perishable goods. The humble freezer container, once used primarily for short-term storage or local delivery, has become a cornerstone of cold chain innovation across both the food and pharmaceutical sectors. With demand for precision, reliability, and scalability increasing, freezer containers are now at the heart of smarter, more resilient logistics strategies.

From the rural farmlands of Cork to the biopharmaceutical clusters of Dublin and Limerick, freezer containers are making their mark by offering flexible, technology-driven solutions that match the unique challenges of Ireland’s geography and climate. Whether it’s ensuring seafood reaches European markets with peak freshness or maintaining strict storage conditions for vaccines and biologics, these containers are reshaping the cold chain—and with it, Ireland’s global competitiveness in export-led industries.

Food Exports Meet Fresh Expectations

Ireland’s food sector is one of its most prized economic engines, with exports ranging from premium dairy to fresh seafood and grass-fed beef. But freshness, once a matter of hours, is now a matter of data and logistics. As international buyers demand more traceability, quality assurance, and minimal environmental impact, Irish producers are turning to freezer containers to maintain optimal temperature control from farm to fork.

These containers provide a level of mobility and reliability that traditional fixed refrigeration infrastructure often cannot. For rural producers or seasonal exporters, freezer containers offer the freedom to scale up or down without the need for costly permanent facilities. This is particularly relevant during harvest seasons, seafood spawning periods, or major global trade events when demand and supply fluctuate.

Furthermore, freezer containers allow for pre-cooling at source, reducing the risk of spoilage during transport. With many models now equipped with GPS and IoT-enabled temperature monitoring, producers can access real-time data that satisfies both EU and global food safety regulations. This not only supports better export outcomes but also elevates Ireland’s brand as a trusted supplier of premium-grade, responsibly handled food products.

Pharma Demands Absolute Precision

Ireland is home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, with a significant share of global drug formulations and biologics originating from its shores. In this sector, logistics is not just about timely delivery—it’s about exactitude. The margin for error in transporting temperature-sensitive compounds such as vaccines, cell therapies, or diagnostic reagents is virtually zero.

Freezer containers are now playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of these high-value assets. Unlike standard refrigeration options, these containers offer ultra-low temperature settings, capable of sustaining environments well below -20°C or even -70°C, depending on the requirement. This is critical for mRNA vaccines and other biologics that are particularly vulnerable to thermal excursions.

In an industry governed by stringent regulatory frameworks such as Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and EU GMP guidelines, having a robust and validated cold chain is essential. Freezer containers offer a high degree of control and documentation, often integrated with automated alert systems and audit trails. Their modular nature also means they can be deployed at production sites, shipping terminals, or distribution hubs, providing seamless continuity in temperature control from manufacturing to last-mile delivery.

Flexible Infrastructure for Unpredictable Markets

One of the key benefits of freezer containers lies in their adaptability. Ireland’s food and pharma markets, while mature, are not immune to disruption. Brexit, global supply chain volatility, pandemic shocks, and shifting trade regulations have all highlighted the need for agile infrastructure that can respond to real-time changes.

Traditional cold storage warehouses, while effective, are often limited by geography and capital expenditure. In contrast, freezer containers can be deployed wherever they’re needed—on a farm, outside a factory, near a port, or at a mobile distribution point. This flexibility makes them ideal for buffering sudden demand spikes or navigating logistics bottlenecks.

Temporary cold storage has also proven vital during crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, freezer containers were used to store vaccines, PPE, and diagnostic kits across Ireland’s health infrastructure. This use case revealed just how quickly modular cold chain assets could be mobilised in a national emergency, and has since informed policy around strategic reserves and pharmaceutical preparedness.

Beyond crisis response, this agility allows companies to trial new markets without heavy upfront investment. A seafood exporter, for instance, can test distribution in continental Europe by positioning a few freezer containers at strategic locations—getting real-world logistics insights without building out a full-scale warehouse operation.

Smart Technology Enhances Oversight and Compliance

Today’s freezer containers are not just cold boxes—they’re intelligent logistics tools. Equipped with remote temperature tracking, humidity controls, shock sensors, and real-time diagnostics, these containers offer unparalleled visibility across the cold chain. For both food and pharma sectors, this kind of oversight is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity.

Regulatory bodies are increasingly expecting data logs, proof of continuous temperature integrity, and rapid response to any deviations. IoT-enabled freezer containers automate this process, sending instant alerts if thresholds are breached and ensuring swift corrective action. This not only safeguards cargo but also protects businesses from reputational and regulatory fallout.

For pharmaceutical companies, the stakes are particularly high. Products compromised by temperature excursions may need to be discarded—even if the breach was brief or occurred late in the chain. With smart freezer containers, companies can document every moment of the journey, satisfying regulators and giving assurance to downstream partners and patients alike.

The analytics layer also allows for proactive optimisation. By analysing historical data from shipments, companies can fine-tune their logistics strategies, choose better transport routes, or adjust pre-cooling practices. Over time, this leads to a leaner, more efficient supply chain with less waste and greater reliability.

Sustainability Under the Microscope

Sustainability is no longer a fringe concern in logistics—it’s central. As both consumers and regulatory bodies place greater emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, freezer containers are also evolving to meet green goals. New-generation units are built with energy-efficient insulation, solar-assisted power systems, and eco-friendly refrigerants that lower their environmental impact.

In Ireland, where climate commitments are shaping future infrastructure and trade policies, adopting greener logistics solutions is becoming a competitive advantage. Food and pharma companies that integrate sustainable cold chain practices not only comply with regulations but also boost their ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) profiles—an increasingly important factor for international buyers and investors.

Moreover, the circular economy benefits of freezer containers are hard to ignore. These units can be reused across multiple projects, repurposed for new industries, or even upcycled for community use. Unlike fixed storage that may sit idle during low-demand periods, containers can be leased, redeployed, or returned—ensuring better resource use and reduced waste.

Conclusion: The Future of Cold Logistics Is Modular, Smart, and Sustainable

Ireland’s position as a global leader in food and pharma exports is no accident—but sustaining that leadership in a post-pandemic, climate-conscious world requires forward-thinking infrastructure. Freezer containers are helping Irish businesses meet the moment. By providing mobility, precision, sustainability, and smart oversight, they address the complex demands of modern cold chain logistics head-on.

More than just temperature-controlled units, freezer containers are strategic assets. They offer scalability for producers, precision for pharmaceutical giants, and security for regulators and consumers alike. In embracing this modular approach, Ireland is not only preserving product quality—it’s investing in supply chain resilience and global trust.

Suretank nurtures Louth engineering talent with bursary programme

Suretank, the leading provider of modular and tank solutions for global infrastructure, pharma, marine and energy companies, has announced the expansion of its bursary programme to include two additional bursaries to support the next generation of engineering talent. The bursary programme has now been named The Tom Moody Programme for Engineering Talent, a reflection of the legacy left by Suretank’s General Manager, Tom Moody, who died earlier this year.

The expansion of the bursary programme marks Suretank’s 30th anniversary in business. It follows the company’s recent announcement that it is creating 80 new jobs in the Louth region, strengthening its commitment to investing in the community and driving further business growth. As demand for engineering talent in Ireland remains high, the programme will ensure Suretank continues to develop its own in-house engineering talent, serving a global customer base. The company’s engineering department boasts 30 engineers with expertise in mechanical, electrical and structural engineering.

The Tom Moody Programme for Engineering Talent will now become an annual partnership with Dundalk institute of Technology (DkIT). It is designed to support engineering students in their academic journey and includes the payment of college fees and expenses, along with paid work placements throughout the year in Suretank’s cutting-edge facilities in Louth. Additionally, recipients receive guided mentorship to ensure they develop the practical skills and expertise necessary to thrive in their careers.

This extension builds on the success of the company’s first bursary, launched in October last year, and reflects Suretank’s ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of talent and supporting the local community. It comes in addition to Suretank’s apprenticeship programme, which last year saw one of its apprentices, Jamie Kirwan, named Apprentice of the Year Award (Electrical) at the Generation Apprenticeship Ireland Awards.

Applications are open to third-year students at Dundalk Institute of Technology studying for degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Architectural Technology. Click here for more information and to apply.

Dymphna Conlon, People & Organisation Development (P&OD) Manager said:

“At Suretank, we are deeply committed to empowering the next generation of engineers while giving back to the community that has supported us for the last 30 years. Expanding our bursary programme reinforces our long-term investment in the local region, providing students with a valuable opportunity to gain a head start in their careers.

“This initiative also honours the legacy of our colleague, Tom Moody, who was a strong believer in nurturing talent and his dedication and spirit left a lasting impact on all of us. By offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and the skills needed to succeed, these bursaries celebrate his memory in the most meaningful way—by supporting the future of engineering talent. More than just financial assistance, this is our ongoing commitment to people, progress, and the potential within our community.”

Why Diaphragm Pump Technology Matters in High-Tech Industries

Diaphragm pump technology is essential in many industries, providing a reliable way to control sensitive fluids and gases. High-tech sectors like pharmaceuticals, energy, and aerospace depend on this technology for its precision and durability. It ensures processes run smoothly, even in extreme conditions. Its importance continues to grow as industries demand safer and more efficient systems.

Let’s explore why diaphragm pump technology plays such a key role and how it benefits these industries.

Understanding Diaphragm Pump Technology

Diaphragm pump technology uses flexible, durable membranes made from materials like rubber, Teflon, or composites to manage liquids or gases. These membranes withstand pressure changes and prevent breakdown.

For example, in pharmaceutical production, diaphragm pumps act as barriers to prevent contamination and ensure safety standards, highlighting their reliability and precision for critical processes.

Why Diaphragm Pump Technology Stands Out

The unique qualities of diaphragm pump technology make it invaluable to industries requiring reliability and precision. By checking out sites like https://knf.com/en/us, you can see that they offer more benefits than you could ever imagine. From long-lasting materials to exact performance, it provides unmatched advantages.

Long-Lasting Materials

Diaphragm pumps are built to last, even in tough environments. Many are made from materials that resist chemicals, heat, and wear. For instance, diaphragm pumps in chemical plants often use Teflon because it doesn’t corrode when exposed to harsh substances. This durability reduces equipment maintenance and saves costs over time.

Precise Performance

Industries like biotechnology and electronics require exact control over fluid and gas flow. Diaphragm pump technology provides this precision. For example, in semiconductor manufacturing, diaphragm pumps protect delicate processes by preventing contamination.

Flexible Applications

Another advantage of diaphragm pumps is their adaptability. They can be customized for specific needs, such as handling high pressure, resisting chemicals, or working in extreme temperatures. This flexibility makes them a go-to solution for many industries.

The exceptional durability, precision, and adaptability of diaphragm pump technology make it a cornerstone for industries with demanding operational needs. Its unmatched capabilities ensure consistent performance, addressing challenges across a variety of applications.

How Diaphragm Pump Technology Is Used

Diaphragm pump technology has found its way into many industries due to its reliability and precision. Each sector benefits from its unique capabilities in fluid and gas control.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical companies rely on diaphragm pump technology to maintain cleanliness and accuracy. Many manufacturing processes, such as making vaccines or medications, have strict safety rules. Diaphragm pumps and valves help keep these processes sterile, reducing the risk of contamination.

In vaccine production, for instance, diaphragm pump systems ensure the correct amount of fluid is measured and dispensed. Consistency is critical because even small errors can impact the effectiveness of a drug.

Energy Sector

In energy production, diaphragm pump technology improves safety and efficiency. It handles high-pressure gases and corrosive liquids in systems like natural gas processing plants and renewable energy facilities.

Hydrogen energy systems often use diaphragm compressors to store and transport hydrogen gas. These compressors manage high pressures without leaks, which is crucial for safety and performance.

Aerospace and Defense

The aerospace industry requires equipment that works in extreme conditions. Diaphragm pump technology fits this need by providing reliable solutions for fuel management and hydraulic systems.

Aircraft fuel systems, for example, use diaphragm valves to control fuel flow during flight. These valves ensure engines receive a steady supply, even in changing conditions. This reliability makes diaphragm pumps a trusted component in aerospace applications.

The wide-ranging applications of diaphragm pump technology demonstrate its versatility and importance in critical industries. Its ability to deliver precision and reliability makes it an indispensable tool for ensuring safe and efficient operations in diverse fields.

Why High-Tech Industries Rely on Diaphragm Pump Technology

The reliance on diaphragm pump technology stems from its ability to address challenges unique to high-tech industries. The need for reliability, precision, and safety in critical operations leaves little room for error. Diaphragm pump systems provide the performance consistency these industries demand.

For instance, in medical device manufacturing, even minor inconsistencies in production can compromise patient safety. Diaphragm pump technology eliminates such risks by ensuring accurate and sterile fluid handling. Similarly, in aerospace systems, diaphragm pump components reduce the likelihood of mechanical failures, enhancing overall safety.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Diaphragm Pump Technology

As technology advances, diaphragm pump systems continue to improve. Researchers are developing materials that perform better under tougher conditions. For example, nano-coated diaphragm pumps offer increased resistance to chemicals and wear.

Sustainability is another focus. In renewable energy, diaphragm pump technology is being enhanced to make systems more efficient and environmentally friendly. These innovations ensure diaphragm pumps remain an important part of high-tech industries.

Conclusion

Diaphragm pump technology is vital for industries that need precision, reliability, and flexibility. Its applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, energy, and aerospace highlight its value in ensuring safe and efficient operations. With ongoing advancements, diaphragm pump technology will continue to address complex industrial challenges, shaping the future of high-tech systems. Its impact is far-reaching, making it an essential tool for modern industries.

Ireland Needs 1 in 5 Students to Pursue STEM to Sustain the Country’s Leadership in Tech, Pharma, and Engineering

STEM South West is back for its sixth year, promising to be the biggest and best one yet – this time taking over Cork City Hall on Wednesday November 20th from 4pm to 8pm. Event organisers are calling on secondary students, parents and teachers to join them for an exciting afternoon journey within the world of STEM.

The theme of this year’s Expo is “The World Needs You: Solving Global Challenges with STEM”. The event will showcase how STEM careers and a STEM education can address real-world problems that impact climate change, healthcare, robotics, AI and medtech.

To maintain Ireland’s position as a leading global hub for tech, pharma, medtech, engineering and bioscience industries, STEM South West estimate that at least 20pc of Ireland’s 964,000 primary and secondary students[1] will be needed to go on to study STEM.

In support of that effort, it is joining forces with industry and education partners on this live showcase event.

FREE for all, they will be welcomed from all corners of the country to get a glimpse into the exciting possibilities and opportunities that await them in any STEM field they choose.

The impact of previous events has been noteworthy, with 9 out of 10 students expressing an increased interest in pursuing a career in STEM after attending the event.

An Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence speaking at the event launch,

“This initiative continues to promote, empower and encourage young people to explore STEM opportunities across industry sectors that significantly contribute to our nation’s economic growth. Investment in knowledge has always been our greatest enabler and STEM South West – with its widespread industry and education partner base – is opening doors for our young people. I wish the organising team, the exhibitors and all of the visiting students, parents, teachers every success and an enjoyable immersive experience.”

Mary Good, Chair, STEM South West commented,

“ Ireland offers an incredible range of opportunities to students that choose to study STEM subjects. These subjects not only serve as the bedrock for so many careers but can also be the ticket for students and young graduates to explore the world, discover, learn and find new ways and means to make a positive impact on themselves and on the lives of others. Every step towards positive change matters as our global society faces critical issues around health, climate change, housing, energy and the very future of how we live and work. Investing in those that will hold the future in their hands,  inspiring and equipping them to learn, lead and innovate is the right thing to do.

The work that STEM South West is doing is necessary to ensure that our current STEM industry base is secure, that companies continue to locate in Ireland, that our start-ups and SMEs are given the opportunity to thrive, and that the students of today are given the skills to tackle the global challenges of tomorrow. STEM South West is driving a collective response to this – by showcasing the incredible range of opportunities that the STEM sector has to offer across the South West.”

The enthusiastic participation of industry experts and organisations underscores the significance of this event in fostering the ongoing growth and prosperity of STEM industries in the region.

Teachers and Guidance Counsellors will have a dedicated section at the event, where they can learn first-hand about the career options now available in the STEM sector in this region.

John Morrissy, CIO of PepsiCo, shared his vision for the event, which is sponsored by PepsiCo,

“We are delighted to sponsor the 2024 STEM South West Expo. PepsiCo is home to hundreds of beloved brands, which support thousands of technical jobs, including R&D, engineering and IT. STEM leaders in these fields create the foundation for future success. Together, they show how science, technology and engineering can unlock creativity that inspires. We look forward to meeting the STEM leaders of tomorrow at Cork City Hall on November 20th”.

Visitors will get to explore exhibits from some of the biggest employers in the country, including Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes, Stryker, Gilead Sciences, Astellas, PM Group, MTU, UCC, Analog Devices, Horner, Astellas, and many more.

Tickets can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/stem-south-west-expo-2024-tickets-1022537105007

Poolbeg Pharma – Successful Artificial Intelligence led programme identifies multiple influenza drug targets

Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on infectious and other prevalent diseases with a high unmet medical need, announces a significant breakthrough in its world first influenza Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) Programme with CytoReason. Poolbeg has been working with CytoReason since March 2022.

Poolbeg’s unique disease progression data from influenza human challenge trials combined with CytoReason’s broad repositories of curated disease data were analysed using CytoReason’s industry-leading AI-led platform. The analysis has led to the discovery of multiple novel drug targets for the treatment of influenza.

Identification of drug targets from this unique data-set has previously been successful as p38 MAP Kinase, inhibited by POLB 001, was identified as a driver of severe influenza but this required manual analysis that took several years. However, through the utilisation of CytoReason’s cutting-edge AI technology, Poolbeg has now identified multiple novel drug targets in just 15 months. Moreover, CytoReason’s analysis independently confirmed the significance of the p38 MAP kinase pathway in influenza, providing further validation for Poolbeg’s POLB 001 programme.

The Company is actively exploring the most effective way to further develop the novel drug targets in order to generate value and looks forward to updating shareholders about the progress of this programme in due course. This marks Poolbeg’s second successful AI Programme, following the identification of potential new drug candidates for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) announced in December 2022.

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Poolbeg Pharma, commented: “Our collaboration with CytoReason has put Poolbeg at the forefront of AI drug discovery. CytoReason’s deep interrogation of the uniquely rich data derived from human challenge trials has deepened our knowledge of influenza, resulting in the identification of multiple novel influenza drug targets. There is a significant unmet need for new and better treatments for vulnerable patients with influenza and this is a major milestone in the delivery of new therapies that can improve patient outcomes and global health.”

David Harel, Chief Executive Officer of CytoReason, said:

“Once again, we’re pleased to see that leveraging CytoReason’s computational disease models to extract insights from Poolbeg’s unique human challenge data can optimise the target discovery process. More importantly, these impressive results would not be possible without the commitment, transparency, and reciprocity of both teams.”

A comprehensive study on blockchain application in the pharma industry

Counterfeit drugs are an enormous global problem, undermining trust in pharma companies and driving up costs. Websites for the best bitcoin trading tips for 2023 serve the best UI and trading tools for novices and professional bitcoin traders. All the while, tracing and authenticating medicines is cumbersome for even the most serious of buyers.

But what if we could reinvent a system without the need for trust – a system that eliminated counterfeiting? One solution to this challenge is blockchain technology. Blockchain offers exciting potential to help pharma companies create trust in their supply chains and remove counterfeit drugs from the market. 

To explore this potential, a study was conducted to assess the applicability of blockchain technology in the pharma industry, with a specific focus on logistics and supply chain applications. In recent years, many pharmaceutical consulting firms have also recognized the transformative potential of blockchain technology and have actively engaged in collaborative efforts to leverage its capabilities for enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The outcomes of this study were phenomenal. Blockchain could provide transparency and security that has never been seen before – and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The results of this study show that blockchain could provide tremendous benefits for the entire pharma supply chain. The report also highlights numerous possible use cases and five key focus areas: customs, provenance, tracking, blocklisting, and serialization.

So let’s dive into this a little deeper:

Tracking Information: 

People can use blockchain to track information from the point of origin to the final destination, including temperature levels, location, quality checks, etc. People can then share this data with all stakeholders involved in ensuring quality throughout the chain – right down to individual consumers. For example, in the pharma industry, companies could use this to track batches of medicines as they are shipped from pharmaceutical plants or even to make sure that the same batch of ingredients produced the same batch of the medicine you’re receiving.

Serialization: 

The information captured on the blockchain can be shared by companies with stakeholders along the value chain – parties such as customs, customs brokers, and even regulators. Again, this data can prove the product’s origin and help track its journey throughout life, leading to fewer spoilages and lower risk. 

A final example is that pharmaceutical companies could use blockchain to track individual products throughout their life cycle – storing key details such as batches of products produced, expiry dates, and even detailed information about packaging material. In the pharma industry, this can be a real game-changer for regulators.

Supplier and Manufacturer Applications: 

Blockchain enables manufacturers to record real-time factory data, including ingredients, production batches, and expiration dates. This data is then uploaded to the blockchain and made available through an API (Application Programming Interface). This data can be used by companies for raw material suppliers and other stakeholders, enabling them to track their value chains accurately. 

Blockchain also allows manufacturers to block certain suppliers who fail to meet standards of quality or delivery times – this would ensure that fraudulent providers cannot continue to further damage trust between partners. Medicines have been known to be contaminated for years when counterfeiters attempt to pass off fakes as the real thing. The potential for blockchain in the pharma industry is massive – by enabling this type of transparency, blockchain could help to reduce these types of scams.

Benefits of Blockchain: 

All parties along the value chain would be able to maintain a direct relationship with one another – eliminating the need for trust and reducing fraud significantly. Pharmaceutical companies would also have access to their supply chains, enabling them to create transparency, a level of control over their products, and a greater understanding of their suppliers and competitors. It opens up significant opportunities for the industry today – and blockchain technology is set to disrupt this entire supply chain. 

Blockchain can mitigate drug abuse:

For the pharma industry, in particular, it can improve security and enhance a trust – creating transparency for the entire supply chain. It could also be good for consumers and prevent potential risks to public health. However, blockchain technology can also ensure that no fake medicine reaches consumers – helping to reduce drug abuse in several ways.

While we are not quite there yet, blockchain has enormous potential to help us all live longer – by improving healthcare in many ways. For example, the root cause of drug abuse is terrible products and counterfeit drugs. So pharma companies could mitigate this by creating greater trust in the industry through transparency.

In terms of the value chain, blockchain is also a massive opportunity for the pharma industry – providing more significant levels of transparency and trust that can be built on, while opening up new possibilities for manufacturers to maintain control over their supply chains.

Users can use blockchain to provide proof of origin for all pharmaceutical products, enabling consumers to verify that the medicine was sourced from a trusted and open source. It would allow us to fight back against counterfeiting – ensuring that only genuine products reach our market. In addition, blockchain could prove the legitimacy of medicines – validating individual batches as they are produced in their factories.

Poolbeg Pharma makes significant breakthrough in AI programme through discovery of novel drug targets for treatment of RSV

Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, announces that it has made a significant breakthrough in its Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) Programme with partner OneThree Biotech, Inc. through the discovery of novel drug targets for the treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (‘RSV’).

 Following the completion of the build and optimisation of a tailored AI model in June 2022, the OneThree team, using its clinically validated AI platform, have identified novel drug targets using Poolbeg’s unique RSV human challenge trial data. The identification of these novel drug targets now allows the final stage of the programme to commence which will involve the identification of small molecule inhibitors to effectively treat RSV infections. The team are particularly excited as these include a range of targets for which there are known drugs with existing Phase I safety and tolerability data. Prioritisation of compounds with existing Phase I data aligns with Poolbeg’s capital light model as these compounds will have extensive nonclinical and clinical data allowing smooth transition to early human efficacy trials.

The final stage of the research plan will utilise OneThree’s proprietary ATLANTIS AI platform to identify the drugs that are most likely to be efficacious against the identified disease targets with clean safety profiles in RSV patients. Selection of drugs is traditionally a long and extensive process, however, by using an existing AI model this process can be completed in weeks. Results of this stage are expected before year end 2022.

Traditional drug design is focused on identifying a molecule that can bind with a specific target within a cell. Poolbeg’s approach, utilising OneThree Biotech’s advanced AI models, allows for the complex disease signature underlying each drug target to be considered during drug selection. This allows the complex outputs of this stage, which represent novel biological insights, to be advanced to the final stage which will match drugs to prioritised targets. By working from disease signatures like this, OneThree Biotech can utilise the full strength of its AI technology to pinpoint the drug molecules that can precisely and effectively reverse disease signatures and produce meaningful clinical benefits.

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma, said:

“This is the first time that AI has been used to identify disease targets in RSV and I am delighted to have reached this significant milestone in the programme in such a short period of time. Having identified these novel disease targets, we can now commence the final stage of the programme to identify effective drug candidates to treat RSV. In keeping with our capital-light model, this AI enabled in silico R&D approach has significantly accelerated the discovery process by having the right partners and the right expertise to unleash the potential of our unique human challenge trial data. We greatly look forward to seeing the outputs of this programme later this year.”

Neel S. Madhukar, PhD, CEO of OneThree Biotech said:

“This analysis is pioneering in RSV research, and we are pleased to have identified disease targets from which effective drug candidates can be explored. We are fortunate to have access to Poolbeg’s unique human challenge trial data because it was collected in a controlled and powered quarantine which increases the overall strength and predictive power you can get from it. Additionally, thanks to the combination of Poolbeg’s data and our ATLANTIS platform, we were able to reach this point in our project in only eight months – significantly faster than a traditional drug discovery project – and we’re excited to make meaningful progress in the treatment of infectious diseases, such as RSV.”

Gilead Sciences Opens New Global Paediatric Drug Development Centre of Excellence in Dublin’s North Dock

Gilead Sciences, a global biotechnology company, today announced the formal opening of its Dublin city centre office focused on developing new paediatric formulations for its portfolio of medicines. Development, clinical operations, legal / IP, medical affairs and regulatory teams will work together to create the company’s only Global Paediatric Centre of Excellence, based in the North Dock area of the city centre.

“Gilead’s therapies address some of the world’s most challenging viral diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and COVID-19. Our Dublin teams play a critical role in adapting these therapies to treat children. In addition, as Gilead expands its work in oncology, our Irish teams could help to address the urgent challenge of childhood cancers,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences. “Ireland has long been a global hub for life sciences and Gilead is proud to have been part of that since 1999. The new Dublin facility is a further investment in our long-term presence.”

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to join with Gilead Sciences to mark the opening of their new Centre of Excellence for Paediatric Drug Development in the Dublin Docklands and the creation of 33 new jobs – a very welcome and positive announcement for the city. Gilead Sciences is a great example of a business delivering on the global stage, supported by our accomplished and skilled workforce. After over 20 years here in Ireland, this will be Gilead’s fourth facility here, further underlining the leading role this country plays in the company’s operations in Europe. Gilead’s drive and commitment to innovation, and to the highest standards of pharmaceutical technology, is clear to see, and will, I’m sure, continue to bring the company considerable further success in the years ahead.”

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Leo Varadkar, said: “I’m really pleased Gilead Sciences has chosen Dublin as the location for its new Global Paediatric Drug Development Centre of Excellence, creating 33 new jobs. This announcement reinforces the importance of Ireland globally in the manufacturing of medicines and in particular, the development of paediatric medicines. Our highly skilled workforce continues to attract world renowned companies such as Gilead Sciences to grow their businesses here. After more than 20 years in our country, this new facility is another exciting expansion for Gilead, and I wish the team the very best with this new initiative.”

The Dublin Development office is responsible for coordinating paediatric clinical trials for seven products across 18 countries, with current trials investigating paediatric treatments for HIV, hepatitis B and COVID-19. The company plans to expand the responsibilities of the Dublin operations further, including supporting work on adult studies across its portfolio of approved and investigational medicines. Additionally, a new team to be recruited in the Dublin office will form a core part of a new Artificial Intelligence Centre within the Gilead Development organization.

Reggie Kelly, Vice President, Development, Gilead Sciences, and Dublin site lead said: “Development is a critical stage in the life cycle of a medicine and Ireland is a global life science hub. With the clinical, academic and regulatory expertise available – in addition to industry talent – Dublin was the obvious location. We chose this office carefully, for its location and it’s sustainability credentials, and I’m thrilled to be able to open it to our team and our external partners.”

IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan said: “IDA Ireland welcomes Gilead’s expansion of its Irish operations, establishing in Dublin this global biotechnology company’s first Global Centre of Excellence for Paediatric Clinical Trials outside of the US. It’s a strong vote of confidence in Ireland for investment of this kind and will be a welcome addition to the growing biotech ecosystem here.”

Gilead has been in Ireland for over two decades. Its Cork manufacturing facilities produce 22 different products and its Dublin distribution centre, separate from North Dock, is critical in its global supply chain. In total, Gilead has over 500 employees in the State, its largest operation in the European Union (EU).

Poolbeg Pharma signs Artificial Intelligence deal with CytoReason to identify drug targets for influenza

Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, has signed a deal with CytoReason, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company developing computational disease models for efficient drug discovery and development, to provide AI analysis of Poolbeg’s influenza disease progression data derived from human challenge study samples.

The partnership will harness the insights of Poolbeg’s unique repository of influenza human challenge trial* data and is another significant milestone in its strategy to leverage its proprietary databank to identify new pharmaceutical assets using artificial intelligence. CytoReason has built world-class validated AI models which can extrapolate immune cell behaviour based on bulk transcriptomics, making it an ideal partner to maximise the insights of Poolbeg’s influenza data. To date, five of the world’s top ten pharma companies use CytoReason’s technology including Pfizer, Sanofi, Merck KGaA and Roche. Poolbeg’s ability to execute a deal of this nature with a company of CytoReason’s stature is a testament to the quality of Poolbeg’s proprietary databank which will significantly improve the outputs of the collaboration.

 The partnership will bring Poolbeg’s unique repository of clinical samples and associated data from influenza human challenge trials together with CytoReason’s leading and validated AI technology. This will enable a deep understanding of the mechanism of influenza infection and recovery and, as a result, help identify novel drug targets for the disease. Poolbeg’s datasets for influenza are already tailored for incorporation into CytoReason’s platform algorithms. Both CytoReason and the Company are excited about the unique and novel disease-relevant insights, which have the potential to transform how influenza is currently treated. The project is due to commence immediately with a full work programme already agreed, and first results expected in H1 2023.

 CytoReason’s machine learning algorithm works by combing through enormous repositories of clinical data to build models of human disease, which can then be used by biotech and pharmaceutical partners to identify novel targets, prioritise mono/combination therapies, find biomarkers, and understand which patients will benefit most from those new treatments. CytoReason will build a tailored AI model using its existing clinical data in conjunction with Poolbeg’s human challenge data to maximise the insights generated. As a result, CytoReason will be able to prioritise new drug targets quickly and cost effectively, in a manner consistent with Poolbeg’s business model. Based on the target identification insights generated from the analysis, the Company plans to source drugs with existing Phase I safety data that can immediately continue clinical development to rapidly generate early human proof of concept data for influenza, with the ultimate aim of monetising the asset through partnerships and licensing deals with pharma and biotech.

 

This is the first time that AI analysis has been undertaken on influenza human challenge disease progression data and samples. Data from human challenge studies are unique in that they track a healthy subject through disease to recovery in carefully controlled and monitored isolation units, collecting samples throughout the course of disease, and vitally collecting matched baseline and follow-up samples before and after infection. CytoReason will be analysing blood transcriptomics, proteomics, DNA sequences and viral loads and disease signs and symptoms from the human challenge studies.

This deal comes at a time when the threat of influenza is significant. Cases are at their highest globally since the COVID-19 pandemic began where pre-pandemic one in eight people were affected, resulting in five to ten million hospitalisations and 500,000 deaths each year. Poolbeg’s asset, POLB 001, which is progressing towards its first human challenge trial in June 2022, was identified using the unique disease progression data available from human challenge trials. By utilising AI, the Company will identify more targets, quicker and more cost effectively than previously possible without this technology.

This is Poolbeg’s latest AI deal following the partnership with OneThree Biotech, Inc. announced in February 2021 to identify new drug targets and treatments for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (‘RSV’).

 

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma, said:

“This exciting deal is all about creating opportunities. Opportunities to unlock the potential of our unique bank of human challenge data. Opportunities to develop drugs for infectious disease more quickly and cost effectively. And opportunities to tackle the growing global threat of influenza.

“This is the first time AI analysis will be undertaken on influenza human challenge trial data and we look forward to the results early next year. We are delighted to be working with such an industry leading partner as CytoReason and using cutting-edge AI technology as we continue to develop and progress our innovative infectious disease drug pipeline.”

 David Harel, CytoReason’s CEO, said:

“We are excited about the potential of Poolbeg’s data and are delighted to be the first AI company to analyse Influenza human challenge data. Our top-tier scientists, along with our platform of computational disease models, will enable Poolbeg to significantly shorten the drug discovery time for Influenza treatments, dramatically reduce the costs involved, and ultimately help more patients.”