A medical breakthrough spray-dried plasma manufacturing system is redefining emergency care, bringing rapidly rehydrated plasma to where it is needed most.

Every year, thousands of people die unnecessarily from blood loss. While research tells us receiving blood within 30 minutes increases patients’ chances of survival, this is not always an option due to a fragile and centralised blood supply chain.

Richard Meehan, President and CEO of Velico Medical, explains: “Plasma typically requires freezing, specialised storage and careful transport, all of which slow down delivery and limit access, especially for emergencies or remote locations.” Current global production capacity falls far short of today’s military and civilian demand. “Velico is moving to solve that problem,” says Meehan.

Rethinking plasma

Velico aims to minimise preventable deaths from bleeding. Their FrontlineODP system aims to enable local, scalable and high-capacity production of spray-dried plasma. Fitted into existing blood-component labs or a modular veliPod unit, it is designed to bypass cold-chain restrictions and will make plasma available where and when it is needed most, in prehospital settings.

Meehan continues: “Our technology spray-dries a unit of plasma in approximately 35 minutes. That unit can then be stored for up to two years in a fridge or six months at room temperature. Unlike traditional plasma, it no longer relies on the frozen cold chain. It can be rehydrated in as little as two and a half minutes; ready for use in a soldier’s backpack or the back of an ambulance.”

Every year, thousands of
people die unnecessarily
from blood loss.

Future-proofing the blood supply chain

“We’re building a decentralised plasma production model. Instead of relying on expensive, centralised pharma factories with long turnaround times, we place our devices directly into blood centres,” explains Meehan.

Research shows that dried plasma improves survival rates by 33% for bleeding trauma patients, acting as a ‘biobridge’ to give patients enough hemodynamic support to survive long enough to reach emergency surgery. This work represents a bold step forward in global blood supply innovation, with potential impact for civilian emergency response, military medicine and mass casualty events.

Powered by Ireland

“We’re the only company on the planet focused solely on solving the global plasma availability challenge. Others in the space have broader agendas. We are continuing to scale to support that mission, and our plan is to have devices across the US, EU, UK and Australia,” concludes Meehan. With the technology successfully meeting all safety endpoints in its recent phase 1 clinical trial, Velico is now one step closer to being able to transform emergency care globally.

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Forced-air convection technology and active refrigerant management enable stable, energy-efficient, chamber cooling at the desired and required temperature, protecting sensitive materials within life science research. 

The quality and viability of stored materials and substances are negatively impacted by temperature excursions, transient warming and micro-warmups, which alter the crystal structure and damage cell membranes. Within pharmaceutical bioprocessing, this can compromise experimental integrity, delay project timelines and lead to inconsistency. 

Sample safety risks persist 

Scott Masiella, Ultra-Low Cold Storage Portfolio Manager  at Trane Technologies Life Science Solutions, explains: “Even brief temperature fluctuations can damage temperature-sensitive materials by altering crystal structures, causing osmotic stress and disrupting cell membranes, ultimately compromising sample viability.” 

Traditional cold-wall ULT (ultra-low temperature) freezers rely on natural convection to remove heat, making them vulnerable to temperature fluctuations in high-access environments. Frequent door openings disrupt the stable cold air circulation, causing uneven temperatures that can damage samples, which is particularly problematic when accessing samples stored on upper shelves. 

The system has been proven to allow
multiple door openings per hour without
gradual warming of the chamber.

Forced-air convection technology 

Cold storage innovations, like FARRAR^® CYCLONE^TM, can help to effectively manage desired storage temperature in active and frequently accessed use cases within large molecule drug discovery, manufacturing and distribution to safeguard valuable materials. 

“Its forced-air convection system forcibly mixes conditioned air into a chamber to quickly achieve the desired temperature, protecting sensitive materials and improving efficiency at every stage, from freezing to storage,” explains Masiella. “The system has been proven to allow multiple door openings per hour without gradual warming of the chamber, instilling confidence that the drug candidate has its full efficacy.” 

FARRAR CYCLONE provides superior chamber uniformity and temperature recovery from door openings compared to traditional cold wall-based ULTs, which were originally designed for long-term storage and are best suited to biorepositories where samples are preserved for months with limited access. 

Energy-efficient cooling 

CYCLONE optimises ultra-low temperature stability and energy efficiency with variable speed compressors, circulation fans, and smart refrigerant control – providing the right amount of cooling capacity when needed, unlike fixed cooling, always-on traditional ULTs.

“Sustainability is of huge importance to our customers. CYCLONE not only delivers the performance their engineers and operations teams demand, but it meets the sustainability goals they look for,” says Masiella. “Users can reduce their ULT fleet using CYCLONE while still maintaining the same capacity they have today.” 

Working with a wide range of clients, from university researchers and biotech engineers to operations leaders managing freezing and storage, logistics teams at CROs and pharma companies handling drug substances and clinical candidates, FARRAR delivers reliable temperature-controlled solutions that protect sensitive materials throughout the entire supply chain. 

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We now have a choice as a nation, especially with the upcoming EU presidency in 2026, to lead or to follow in the life sciences sector.

Ireland’s life sciences sector has been steadily growing since the 1950s, thanks to a highly educated workforce and vibrant ecosystem, coupled with significant government support. As outlined in the recent Programme for Government, a life science strategy would benefit the wealth and health of the nation.

A life science strategy is necessary

A life science strategy would help create a cohesive approach to life sciences that spans many government departments, from health to education and enterprise. By removing silos and bringing various perspectives, Ireland can become more globally competitive.

If all stakeholders work together on a Life Science Council, we can co-create a powerful life science strategy. A key aspect is focusing on science and innovation from ‘bench to bedside,’ ensuring that Ireland’s prowess in life sciences manufacturing translates into meaningful health impacts for its people.

The European share of clinical
trials starts fell from 44% in
2009 to 21% in 2024.

Why Europe falls behind in R&D

Europe and Ireland face global challenges, with the 2024 Draghi report on EU competitiveness highlighting the need for more focus on the life sciences sector. Urgency has been accelerated by recent geopolitical trends.

The gap between the US and Europe has reached a tipping point, with the US announcing actions to address the trade imbalance. Over the last 20 years, the R&D investment gap between the US and Europe has widened from EUR2 billion to EUR22 billion annually. 

The European share of clinical trials starts fell from 44% in 2009 to 21% in 2024. One in five medicines which gained US regulatory approval over the last decade were either not submitted for, or not successful in gaining, regulatory approval in the EU.

How Ireland can lead now

Now is the time to act if Europe is to remain globally competitive. Ireland has a choice: to lead or get left behind in the rapidly evolving life sciences area. By driving a life science strategy, Ireland has the opportunity to lead on EU competitiveness, during the Irish EU presidency, while safeguarding the nation’s future health and wealth.

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Find out how a new health app and electronic health record (EHR) rollout can transform patient care through digital innovation, virtual wards and AI — making healthcare faster, safer and smarter.

Digital innovation in healthcare is something that excites me. I was delighted that one of my first actions as Minister for Health was to launch the new HSE Health App, an exciting milestone in our journey to digitise patient health records. 

Health app enables better monitoring for patients

The app brings our paper-based health service into the digital era so patients can soon manage prescriptions, get test results and book appointments in one place. It is the first step in giving patients digital access to their health information as part of a broader strategy to digitise health records in Ireland.

It helps patients monitor their health information and better navigate the health service. Today, the app allows users to see hospital appointments, keep a list of medicines, store a digital medical card, see vaccine records and get information on conditions, treatments and medicines. In the near future, patients will receive appointment notifications and reminders, making it easier for people to manage their care. Have you downloaded the HSE Health App yet?

By the end of this year, 70% of
babies born in Ireland will have
an electronic health record.

Electronic health records secure data for all

In June, we signed a contract to build the National Shared Care Record, which will bring fragmented data together for safer, coordinated patient-centred care. This is an important milestone in the delivery of a national EHR system, which will be nationally led and regionally delivered across acute and community settings in the new HSE Health Regions.

The national EHR will support every patient’s entire care footprint throughout their lives. By the end of this year, 70% of babies born in Ireland will have an electronic health record.

Virtual wards and AI innovations in Ireland’s healthcare

The HSE’s Virtual Ward Programme is another example of an efficient alternative to bedded care, enabled by technology. It is already running at St Vincent’s University Hospital and University Hospital Limerick, allowing patients to receive acute care, monitoring and treatment at home. 

Additionally, my department and the HSE are developing Ireland’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Healthcare, ‘AI for Care,’ to be published later this year. It will deliver better, faster and more efficient healthcare for all with value for taxpayers’ money. 

These innovations are exciting, patient-centred and will make a real difference to how we all integrate with the healthcare system.

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A newly launched research hub is set to transform cutting-edge biomedical research into commercially viable therapies, supporting the growth of Ireland’s indigenous companies. 

Ireland is recognised for its world-class scientific research. The current Irish research ecosystem, however, lacks the structured support needed to move innovations from lab to market. Consequently, breakthrough discoveries don’t always translate into real-world therapeutic options or indigenous companies. “There is a need to increase the knowledge and expertise on how to bring research out of universities and into product development,” explains Vincent Kelly, Professor in Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin. 

Uniting forces to drive innovation

 The Research Ireland ARC Hub for Therapeutics is a collaborative initiative between Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, the Hub aims to guide academic projects to commercial success on a national scale, accelerating the real-world impact of therapeutic discovery in areas such as cancer, infection and metabolic disorders. 

Supporting people early on in their
careers is key to creating a new
generation of innovators.

“We’re educating researchers to become entrepreneurs,” Prof Kelly explains. “The ARC Hub draws upon the existing Irish biomedical ecosystem to centralise expertise, engaging investors, industry leaders, academics and advisors to help researchers. It brings traditionally scattered information and resources into one unified and accessible hub.” 

By creating this synthesis of support, the Hub aims to turn Ireland’s ongoing academic excellence into global biotech leadership. “We bring together the knowledge and expertise of 11 principal investigators, making them extremely valuable to the next generation,” adds William Gallagher, Professor of Cancer Biology, UCD. 

Empowering the next generation of life science entrepreneurs

 “Supporting people early on in their careers is key to creating a new generation of innovators. We’re not just backing projects; we’re backing people,” says Prof Leonie Young, RCSI Dept. of Surgery. 

Early researchers will have the opportunity to tap into a wide knowledge base, with mentorship, training and funding available to directly support their ideas. With over 110 therapeutic research projects under consideration, the ARC Hub is set to strengthen Ireland’s reputation for excellence across life sciences and therapeutic innovation. 

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A successful National Life Sciences Strategy demands not only political commitment but also a strategic, needs-driven approach to its development and implementation.

After sustained advocacy from the biopharmachem sector, the Irish Government has committed to developing a National Life Sciences Strategy as part of its 2025 Programme for Government. Their goal: to ensure the sector remains globally competitive while taking a coherent, future-focused approach to opportunity.

Life sciences strategy needed amid challenges

Ireland’s life sciences sector has long been a cornerstone of the economy. The biopharmachem industry alone supports over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes more than €116 billion annually in exports, making it the country’s most valuable export category.

This long-awaited commitment is a welcome first step. As economic and geopolitical uncertainty continues, Ireland’s position as a global leader in life sciences is no longer guaranteed. Regulatory complexity, talent shortages, energy and infrastructure constraints and insufficient public R&D funding are hindering biopharmachem ecosystem development. A strong strategy must be built with these challenges in mind.

For the strategy to succeed, it
must reflect the full breadth
of issues facing the sector.

The right scope, the right voices

For the strategy to succeed, it must reflect the full breadth of issues facing the sector. That requires more than input from industry and the health system; it calls for meaningful involvement from multiple departments and agencies. A cross-departmental, cross-agency approach that reflects the breadth of sector challenges will ensure alignment, reduce silos and position Ireland to lead internationally.

Execution is as important as vision

Clarity around implementation is essential. The strategy must be underpinned by a well-resourced, cross-government implementation group that includes industry stakeholders. This body should guide delivery, anticipate risks, and respond proactively to developments, particularly at the EU level.

As major EU policy initiatives on life sciences take shape, Ireland needs a mechanism to shape upstream policy in a way that aligns with national health and industrial priorities. The direction is clear. With our track record and expertise, Ireland has what it takes. What’s needed now is a cohesive, future-focused plan that ensures our leadership in life sciences is not only maintained but strengthened for decades to come.

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The future of life science manufacturing is evolving, and sustainability is playing a crucial role in shaping it. Here’s how integrated data collection practices can help in navigating this journey.

The sustainability data needed to catapult manufacturing into the desirable future is spread out across the value chain and on different data collection platforms. There is a need for an integrated approach.

Emission reduction targets and strategies

Carbon emissions reduction targets are a central focus of the sustainability strategies of manufacturing companies. While potential-based targets were once seen as a marker of progress and commitment, the expectation now is for companies to get more precise with their targets. Embracing approaches like science-based targets (SBT) and Net-Zero Standards is the way to go for setting emission reduction targets.

These approaches require more precise sustainability data. Approaches that integrate the different data sources and streamline them into a simple and actionable format will therefore provide the required data for setting actionable sustainability targets that are consistent with industry standards and expectations. 

It is crucial to implement an integrated
data collection and preparation approach
to achieve high-quality results.

Supply chain management and engagement

The emission profile of life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies is heavily tilted towards scope 3 emissions, which are dependent on the wider supply chain. In our engagements at Irish Manufacturing Research, we have discovered that it is crucial to implement an integrated data collection and preparation approach to achieve high-quality results. The solution is not to start another data collection drive but to collect relevant sustainability data like carbon factors, product composition or description and relevant measurement units like volumes and mass alongside preexisting procurement level and finance data. Since data required for sustainability analysis is typically spread across different operational departments and systems, successful integration requires collaboration of all professionals across procurement, finance, IT and management.

Digital solutions for sustainability data

Sustainability is an evolving data challenge, and digital tools can solve some of the challenges and help meet rising expectations. Tools that can improve the interaction of the different data sources and systems within the organisation to facilitate data aggregation are critical for success. These tools can also be adapted to offer a viable platform for active, ongoing collaboration between all stakeholders.

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With access to the EU’s single market and a favourable time zone bridging operations between the US and Asia, Ireland offers an unparalleled base for global supply chains and regulatory alignment. Ireland’s EU membership simplifies cross-border trade and logistics, positioning it as a launchpad for innovation, clinical trials and product development.

Talent pool and NIBRT

A key strength of Ireland’s life sciences sector lies in its world-class talent pipeline. The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) plays a central role in this ecosystem, delivering industry-aligned training to thousands of professionals annually. This ensures a steady supply of highly skilled graduates and specialists equipped to support advanced manufacturing, biopharmaceutical development and R&D.

Ireland also benefits from one of the youngest, most educated workforces in Europe. Strong links between academia and industry, coupled with government support, have fostered a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.

Ireland’s reputation for regulatory
excellence is a key attraction
for global life sciences firms.

Regulatory excellence

Ireland’s reputation for regulatory excellence is a key attraction for global life sciences firms. The country maintains a robust, transparent and internationally aligned framework, supported by the proactive engagement of the HPRA. Ireland has an exemplary compliance record with leading global regulators, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). There are 50 FDA-approved manufacturing plants located across the country — an impressive endorsement of Ireland’s regulatory standards and operational quality.

Economic impact and investment

Such investments have propelled Ireland to become the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical exporter, generating over €80 billion in exports annually. Recent announcements by GE Healthcare, Eli Lilly and Bristol Myers Squibb underline continued confidence in Ireland as a life sciences hub. These developments bring not only high-value employment but also enhanced national capabilities in biologics, vaccines and personalised medicine.

With nine of the world’s top 10 life sciences companies operating nationwide, Ireland continues to attract investment and talent — solidifying its position as a global centre of excellence for life sciences.

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The biopharmaceutical sector continues to perform strongly due to impactful and innovative research, the approval of novel therapeutic modalities and an increasing demand for access to life-changing therapies.

A constant in this evolving industry is the requirement to manufacture biopharmaceuticals under strict conditions to satisfy regulatory mandates, with a consequential focus directed toward the skills and associated competencies of personnel engaged in biomanufacturing.

Future-ready biopharma workforce

As our industry adapts to embrace process innovations, deployment of new digitalisation strategies and artificial intelligence tools within manufacturing, the need for agile, adaptable and highly skilled workforces will be ever more important. If Ireland is to maintain a pre-eminent position in the supply of medicines and is to attract further investment in new and expanded facilities into the future, innovative training solutions will be required to address this rapidly evolving industry.

Bridging training and industry

At the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), ensuring our industry has access to best-in-class talent remains our central focus. Our purpose-built facilities and recent innovations therein provide for an unparalleled training experience with realistic and competency-focused learning opportunities. Our portfolio of course offerings can successfully bridge the gap between traditional academic training and real-world application, preparing our trainees to make a real difference and develop their own professional careers.

Courses have been designed to facilitate
professional workforces, allowing them
to learn flexibly and independently.

Standardised biopharma workforce training

An exciting new initiative, NIBRT Global Qualifications (NGQs) mark a significant step forward in standardising biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce development. These NIBRT-developed microcredential style course offerings, accredited in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), are internationally recognised and combine expert-led didactic training, coupled with focused hands-on training in the NIBRT production training facility.

These courses have been designed to facilitate professional workforces, allowing them to learn flexibly and independently. The initial foundational suite of NGQs has been developed in the disciplines of cleanroom operations, drug substance and drug product manufacturing, respectively, with additional and expanded offerings under current development.

The impact of the biopharma industry in Ireland will be intrinsically linked to the competency of its workforce, and initiatives such as NGQs will play a key role in determining future resilience.

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By aligning health tech, research, STEM, leadership and pharma innovation, a national life sciences strategy fosters collaboration and transformation, boosting economic impact, sector growth and improving patient care.

HealthTech Ireland welcomes the inclusion in the Government’s programme of a National Life Sciences Strategy — an unprecedented step that could, if ambitious and well-integrated, position Ireland as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

Elevating Ireland’s global competitiveness

Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in defining its leadership in European healthcare innovation. Embedding agility and foresight in this strategy could strengthen competitiveness across Europe and beyond. Countries leveraging policy-driven life sciences initiatives have enhanced research, investment and sectoral resilience. With Ireland taking up Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, the nation has a unique opportunity to align with international best practice and champion progressive collaboration.

Collaboration as a catalyst for success

Since its release, cross-sector national roundtables have driven strong engagement, with HealthTech Ireland advocating for this integrated collaborative approach. Building on Digital for Care and national initiatives, the strategy can transform healthcare and ensure a thriving life sciences ecosystem.

To remain adaptable and resilient,
modern healthcare systems must
embrace and enable innovation.

Ireland can apply best international learnings — seen in Denmark and Singapore — to maximise benefits and solidify life science leadership. A Life Sciences Council, as successfully demonstrated in countries and included in HealthTech Ireland’s upcoming pre-budget submission, can ensure consistent alignment, foster collaboration and unlock its full potential.

Resilience through healthtech innovation

To remain adaptable and resilient, modern healthcare systems must embrace and enable innovation. Strategic investment and clear pathways will be essential to support long-term sustainability. HealthTech Ireland highlights the importance of ambitious partnerships and funding to drive progress.

At this juncture, and as global challenges grow, a unified and forward-thinking strategy uniting policymakers, industry leaders and healthcare providers will reinforce Ireland’s standing as an international leader and unlock the healthcare benefits, improving patient outcomes and bolstering Ireland’s life sciences leadership. HealthTech Ireland, with members IDA, EI and IPHA, is committed to supporting the Government in its success to deliver the tangible benefits nationally.

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