APC and VLE Therapeutics, together known as The Medicine Accelerator, has been named pharma industry company of the year at the Pharma Industry Awards 2024. APC and VLE also won awards in the biotech company of the year and pharma company of the year – SME categories at the ceremony held at Dublin Royal Convention Centre.
Established in 2014, the Pharma Industry Awards celebrate outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations that set new standards in the pharmaceutical industry.
Now in its 11th year, the 2024 ceremony, hosted by Colm O’Regan, showcased excellence across 29 categories, with 78 companies submitting 116 entries. The event attracted 534 industry professionals, highlighting its significance in the pharmaceutical calendar.
Mark Barrett, CEO and co-founder of APC & VLE Therapeutics, commented: “It is an incredible honour to receive these awards and to be recognised for our commitment to pioneering developments in the pharma community. These accolades symbolise our daily commitment to making a global impact, driving our mission forward, and ultimately transforming lives through science.”
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The pharmaceutical and chemical sector in Ireland drives approximately 50 per cent of Ireland’s total exports. The sector directly employs over 30,000 people with an additional 30,000 positions supported through indirect employment in auxiliary services and supporting industries.
Seamus Keane, VP pharma and healthcare Europe at Kuehne+Nagel, the main sponsor of the awards, said that Kuehne+Nagel is committed to advancing the pharmaceutical industry by recognising excellence in innovation and logistics.
“Supporting the Pharma Industry Awards for the eighth year running as title sponsor aligns with our mission to enhance product integrity and ensure reliable delivery, ultimately improving patient outcomes and transforming lives,” he stated.
Jim Lehane, VP and head of life sciences manufacturing at Cognizant, impact ambassador for the awards, noted that Ireland’s pharma industry is fueled by rapid innovation, digitalisation, AI and an increased demand for advanced therapies.
“The need to bring medicines to market faster has never been greater,” he explained. “The Pharma Industry Awards offer a moment to celebrate the remarkable people working in this sector and recognise the innovative, impactful work being done.”
Judging coordinator Matt Moran praised the high calibre of submissions, noting: “All the entries contained substantial detail, and companies went to great trouble to express the impact of their project at the coalface. It was refreshing to see how companies have obviously prioritised sustainability, digitisation and diversity at their sites. The picture one gets is a successful and committed biopharma sector, which is good news for the Irish economy.”
Chris Slack, head of marketing at awards finalist Arriello, commented that the Pharma Industry Awards are vital for recognising and celebrating innovation and excellence within the Irish pharmaceutical industry. “They inspire continued progress and highlight the crucial role this sector plays in improving global healthcare,” said Mr Slack.
Trinity College Dublin won the pharma education & training award. Bernard Naughton, the college’s associate professor in industrial pharmacy, noted that the pharmaceutical industry plays an important role in Ireland.
“It generates strong economic and social impacts nationally, as well as supporting international human health. We are delighted to support education in this sector and to be part of these awards, which acknowledges such great work,” he said.
Shona O’Brien, external technology R&D manager at awards finalist Ashland Specialties Ireland, commented that the Pharma Industry Awards “is a fantastic event that allows the industry to come together to celebrate incredible achievements”.
Sanofi Waterford was named biopharma company of the year. Site head Cian O’Brien commented that the award recognition “reflects the commitment of our team in the continuous push towards manufacturing and supply excellence. We are at the heart of Sanofi’s efforts to become the world’s leading immunology company, playing a vital role in delivering for our patients,” he added.
Eve Coleman, business development lead at platinum awards sponsor Unispace Life Sciences, said the company proudly supports the Pharma Industry Awards as an outstanding event to spotlight innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and build connections with industry peers. “These awards celebrate achievements that propel the industry forward, fostering collaboration and inspiring advancements that enhance the global impact of pharmaceuticals,” she added.
Tom Tobin, sales director at awards platinum sponsor Micro-Bio Ireland, stated: “As an Irish manufacturer working with the pharmaceutical industry, Micro-Bio is proud to sponsor the Irish Pharma Awards to celebrate excellence and innovation within the industry. These awards recognise the outstanding achievements of our partners and contribute to the continued development of Ireland’s world-class pharmaceutical sector, promoting growth for a brighter future.”
Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes at Pharma Industry Awards organiser Business River noted that the awards event was made possible through the support of sponsors.“Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Kuehne+Nagel and our Platinum Sponsors, Micro-Bio Ireland, Unispace Life Sciences, and Ellab, and our Patron, BiopharmaChem Ireland. We also appreciate the support from our Impact Ambassador, Cognizant. We are thankful to our 2024 sponsors and professional partners, which include Camida, BOC Gases Ireland, Asgard Cleanroom Solutions, Eurofins Biopharmaceutical Product Testing, BioPharmaChem Skillnet, Exyte Life Sciences, KPMG, Synergy Security Solutions, QuickSTAT A Kuehne+Nagel Company, Controlled Environments Company, Cpl, SkyCell, Next Generation, Ecolab, OBW Technologies, and Aizon. Additionally, we would like to thank our Supporters: The Pharmaceutical Managers Institute(PMI), NIBRT, Shannon ABC, Cronin Group, and Amárach Research. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business sector,” he said.
Awards judges
- Matt Morran (judging coordinator) - CEO, Matt Moran Consulting
- David Brayden - professor of advanced drug delivery, University College Dublin
- Michael Brennan - senior director global engineering technology, Hollister Inc
- Nuala Calnan - CEO, biopharm excel/founder, The Quality Risk Management Institute (QRMi)
- Rachel Carmichael - executive director, NSF
- Darren Cunningham - director, Inflection Biosciences Ltd
- Siobhan Dean - deputy director BPCI, Ibec
- Dr Patricia Ennis - lecturer (retired) - TU Dublin
- Dr Adrienne Fleming - senior lecturer - TU Dublin
- Eoin Fleming - lecturer in biochemistry and cell biology, University College Cork
- Anne Greene - head of part-time education, TU Dublin
- John Henchion - VP for europe, CAI
- Eamon Judge - retired executive director; global engineering, biopharma consultant; Ined (prof diploma in corp gov), Eli Lilly and Company
- Helena Kelly - professor drug delivery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Dr Michael Kilkelly - senior executive EHS, Biopharmachem Ireland (Ibec)
- Sandra Lenihan - senior lecturer, Munster Technological University
- Anita Maguire - professor, University College Cork
- Bernard Naughton - assistant professor, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin
- Sweta Rani - lecturer, South East Technological University
- Patrice Thornton - vice president, human resources, PTC Therapeutics
- Dr Bernadette Whelan - lecturer in pharmaceutical science, South East Technological University Waterford
Award winners
Pharma industry company of the year (sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel)
Winner: APC & VLE Therapeutics
Pharma leader 2024 (sponsored by Asgard Cleanroom Solutions)
Winner: Alice Redmond
Pharma company of the year - large (sponsored by Exyte Life Sciences)
Winner: Johnson and Johnson
Pharma company of the year - SME (sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel)
Winner: APC & VLE Therapeutics
Pharma project of the year - large (sponsored by Unispace Life Sciences)
Winner: Pfizer - Ringaskiddy Clinical Manufacturing Facility
Pharma project of the year - small (sponsored by Ellab)
Winner: NIBRT - Monitoring Bioprocesses
Engineering project of the year (sponsored by BOC Gases Ireland)
Winner: Luminate Medical - Lily Device
Women in pharma award (sponsored by Next Generation)
Winner: Aoife Callan - Takeda Ireland
Pharma research centre of the year (sponsored by Eurofins Biopharmaceutical Product Testing)
Winner: SSPC - Pharmaceutical Research Centre
Biopharma company of the year (sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel)
Winner: Sanofi Waterford
Biotech company of the year (sponsored by Micro-Bio Ireland)
Winner: APC & VLE Therapeutics
Pharma contract services company of the year (sponsored by QuickSTAT A Kuehne+Nagel Company)
Winner: Biostór Ireland
Pharma facility of the year (sponsored by Synergy Security Solutions)
Winner: Pfizer - Ringaskiddy Clinical Manufacturing Facility
Product impact award
Winner: Biostór Ireland - KeraNatural
Operational excellence award (sponsored by Aizon)
Winner: Viatris - Little Island 2024
Supply chain achievement award (sponsored by SkyCell)
Winner: Takeda Ireland
Sustainability initiative of the year (sponsored by KPMG)
Winner: AbbVie in Ireland
Research & development achievement award
Winner: SETU & The Ocular Therapeutics Research Group
HR achievement award (sponsored by Cpl)
Winner: Eli Lilly Cork
Corporate social responsibility programme of the year (sponsored by Camida)
Winner: Sanofi - We Volunteer
Innovation of the year
Winner: Deciphex - AI based Colorectal Screening
Best use of technology award (sponsored by Cognizant)
Winner: Novartis
Pharma education & training award (sponsored by Ecolab)
Winner: Trinity College Dublin MSc in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology (online)
Partnership alliance of the year
Winner: SSPC Partnerships
Graduate training programme of the year (sponsored by BioPharmaChem Skillnet)
Winner: Sanofi
Health & safety award (sponsored by Controlled Environments Company)
Winner: AbbVie in Ireland
Communications award (sponsored by OBW Technologies)
Winner: Johnson and Johnson & Wilson Hartnell
Pharma supplier of the year
Winner: Camida
Responsible care award (sponsored by BiopharmaChem Ireland)
Winner: Abbvie in Ireland
