Pharma industry celebrates excellence at the 10th annual Pharma Industry Awards

By Sharee Narciso

February 13, 2024

Pharma Industry Award winners celebrate their success

Ireland's thriving pharmaceutical industry gathered for the 10th annual Pharma Industry Awards (PIA) in 2023, supported by Kuehne+Nagel. The event served as a platform to recognise and celebrate the sector's most outstanding achievements across various categories. The pharma industry is vital to Ireland’s economy, representing about one-third of all manufacturing. According to the Central Statistics Office, the pharmaceutical sector reported the highest net selling value of all manufacturing – at €42.3 billion – in 2022. This represented 32 per cent of the €132 billion total value of all products made in Ireland.

Gala Night Highlights

Hundreds of the sector’s finest came together at The Clayton Hotel, Silver Springs, Co Cork, for a gala night in October, hosted by broadcaster, comedian, and author Colm O’Regan. A staggering 28 awards were showcasing the very best of the industry.

Insights from the Judges

One of the judges, Patricia Ennis Gillen, a retired lecturer from TU Dublin, put the awards in context: “This event provides an opportunity for the pharma industry in Ireland to showcase its premium projects and their impact. In addition, it provides an occasion for pharma companies not headquartered in Ireland to have their efforts recognised and benchmarked against similar companies that compete in international markets.”

Celebrating Excellence: The Award Winners

The overall winner, the pharma industry company of the year, was Janssen Sciences Ireland. Dana Daneshvari, its general manager, said: “This achievement is a testament to our dedicated team for their hard work, innovation and unwavering commitment to our patients and their caregivers. Together, we are pushing the boundaries to lead where medicine is going.”

Sponsorship and Support

The award sponsor was Kuehne+Nagel. Seamus Keane, the company’s national business development manager healthcare, said: “Kuehne+Nagel were proud to support the Pharma Industry Awards again this year as title sponsor. It is really important to recognise the incredible work and research being undertaken in Ireland, which leads to the development of genuinely life-changing and life-saving medicines, treatments and medical devices. The Pharma Industry Awards is a fantastic event that allows the industry to come together for one night to celebrate the incredible achievements of all.”

Recognising Team Efforts and Achievements

The pharma company of the year – large went to Takeda Ireland. Shane Ryan, the company’s general manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team at Takeda Ireland, who are achieving significant advancements in Ireland and globally. We were thrilled and honoured to win four categories, representing our commitment to the patients we serve, our people and the planet.”

The Significance of Being Shortlisted

Just making the shortlist was a welcome achievement for many. Gareth Sheridan, chief executive of finalist Nutriband, said: “The Pharma Industry Awards is an inspiring showcase of the innovation and impact that the Irish pharmaceutical industry has on the global stage each year. The entire Nutriband team was delighted to receive five shortlist nominations among some of the world’s largest companies.”

A Look Ahead to 2024

Get ready to celebrate the best of Ireland's pharma industry! The Pharma Industry Awards IE are back in 2024, recognising the past year's achievements and looking ahead to future innovations.

Save the date and start preparing your entries – it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase your company's success. Keep an eye out for more information on how to enter soon!