By Monika L. Ignacak

The Federal and Provincial governments have committed to foster a knowledge-based economy by creating a welcoming environment for companies that invest in biopharmaceutical innovations and expand advanced manufacturing in Ontario.

In June 2011 Glen Murray, Minister of Research and Innovation along with the representatives from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Andrew Witty and Paul Lucas announced, that Ontario is going to support the GSK manufacturing facility by adding $3.6 million to GSK’s $30 million project.

Strengthening the Peel region economy, the expansion of GSK facility in Mississauga will assure creation of 70 new jobs and protection of another 300 jobs. We are witnessing a very unusual situation, when a trend of outsourcing is reversed and new jobs in manufacturing are developed here in Canada. Sue West, GSK Vice President, Global Manufacturing & Supply highlighted that they are proud to have a manufacturing facility of this scale and quality in Ontario and the growth in manufacturing they have continued to experience is related to the continued investment in research and development in the region.

New GSK advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing facility is designed to production of COREG CR, RELENZA® and new dermatological products. This investment is important for supporting GSK’s position as a supplier of foams, ointment lotions and liquids in global market, and is a step taken to strengthen Canadian leadership in providing cutting edge health care solutions to the world.

Monika L. Ignacak has Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and experience in molecular neuroscience and molecular biology of steroid hormones from the Poznan University of Medical Sciences and the University of Cincinnati. Currently she works at the RIC Center, where she is involved in developing effective data organizing system.