US biopharma manufacturer Alexion Pharmaceuticals is to establish a global supply chain facility in Dublin, creating 50 new jobs.

The company has already begun recruiting for a range of positions in quality assurance, quality control, logistics and supply chain functions for its new offices and laboratory.

The facility is expected to supply Soliris to patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome, two severe and life-threatening disorders, by the end of the year.

It will also manage the supply of other Alexion medicines following regulatory approvals for a series of anticipated new therapies over the coming years.

Alexion's executive vice president and chief global operations officer Stephen Squinto said Ireland was chosen for its "highly skilled and educated workforce".

“Ireland’s Government and universities have an unparalleled commitment and robust partnerships with regard to education and training for pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control and supply logistics,” he said.

Welcoming today's announcement, Minister for jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said it was "another significant jobs boost for the sector".

“Sustaining and building on our strong track record in pharmaceuticals is a key objective of our Action Plan for Jobs, and the past two years we have seen some major jobs wins,” he said.

Chief executive of IDA Ireland Barry O’Leary said Alexion was the seventh out of the top ten global biopharma companies to base themselves in Ireland.

“Biopharma differs from more traditional pharmaceutical methods in that it derives the final product from living organisms. This activity represents the cutting edge of innovative drug development and requires skilled, highly qualified staff,” he added.