CERENOVUS, the neurovascular care company and part of Johnson & Johnson medical devices companies, has announced a €50m investment over the next three years at its site in Co Galway.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said: “This is a significant investment in Galway and a signal of Johnson & Johnson’s continued commitment to our growing research, development and Innovation system here.

'One of the highest concentrations of medical technology companies in Europe'

“Here in Ireland, we have the tools and the talent to address the key challenges facing society and our people. Galway is now one of Europe’s premier medtech hubs with one of the highest concentrations of medical technology companies in Europe. New, innovative technologies and treatments like the ones that are being developed at CERENOVUS will make it possible to deliver better clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients.”

CERENOVUS Galway is a world-leading research site for stroke and is at the forefront of developing a broad portfolio of innovative medical devices to treat this debilitating condition.

Ischemic stroke, caused by clots in vessels which block blood supplied to the brain, accounts for 87% of all strokes, reportedly affecting one million patients every year in Europe. In Ireland, about 7,500 people have a stroke each year – one-third of all strokes happen in people less than 65 years of age. Stroke is the biggest cause of acquired disability and the third biggest cause of death in Ireland.

Michael Gilvarry, general manager of CERENOVUS Galway said: “Stroke can be a devastating event for patients and their loved ones, and recovery depends on physicians having options to treat patients effectively and efficiently in the hours after their stroke.

'Change the trajectory of stroke'

"Our work at CERENOVUS is focused on providing devices that change the trajectory of stroke, to protect patients from stroke-related disabilities. At CERENOVUS Galway, we develop devices using our unique capabilities simulating the underlying diseases that cause stroke. This is based on scientific research conducted under the umbrella of the CERENOVUS Neuro Thromboembolic Initiative. 

“We work closely with universities and academics, including strong collaborations locally with GMIT and NUI Galway. We are committed to developing differentiated solutions based on physicians’ real-world experience of unmet medical needs.

"Leading physicians from around the world travel to CERENOVUS in Galway to support the development of devices used in the endovascular treatment of strokes, simulating real life stroke scenarios, working with our expert teams to implement further device innovations into the CERENOVUS stroke solutions.

"This investment will allow us to continue to conduct breakthrough research and push the boundaries of technology to put even better tools in the hands of physicians that make stroke treatment faster, easier, and even more effective.”

30 new specialised roles

More than 30 new specialised roles are expected to be created at CERENOVUS Galway as a result of this investment drawing on talent from across Ireland’s medtech sector and third level institutes. The company currently has a workforce of more than 90 people in specialised roles at the Ballybrit site. 

Mark Dickinson, CERENOVUS Worldwide president, said: “This investment in research and development reinforces CERENOVUS’ commitment to changing the trajectory of stroke. The Galway site plays a significant role in CERENOVUS’s global network and in developing devices to treat ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, ultimately delivering better treatment and outcomes for patients.” 

As a result of this investment, CERENOVUS recently completed the expansion of its Galway site, which now features a world leading stroke simulation laboratory, and expanded prototype development and testing capabilities within the facility.

The office space has also been expanded to include meeting and collaboration areas, as well as a space to facilitate team and physician collaborations with a focus on research, innovation, and product development. CERENOVUS intends to continue to conduct breakthrough research around ischemic stroke in the facility.

IDA Ireland’s support of CERENOVOUS in developing its operations in Ireland continues with support of this investment to enhance R&D capabilities at its Galway site. 

CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan said: “Today’s announcement by CERENOVUS, part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies is terrific news for the west region. 

"Johnson & Johnson has had a presence in Ireland for more than 80 years, the globally recognised brand now has a workforce of more than 5,000 people operating across 10 sites in 5 counties. Today’s announcement demonstrates the continued confidence in Ireland’s highly skilled and talented workforce." 

Dr Sarah Power, interventional neuroradiologist at Beaumont hospital, said: “As a physician who specialises in neuroendovascular procedures, including mechanical thrombectomy, I see first-hand the positive impact devices such as those developed by CERENOVUS can have on clinical outcomes in acute stroke patients. I applaud CERENOVUS for its ongoing dedication to advancing stroke research and applying it to its innovative device development strategy.” 

For more information on the roles that are available in Galway, visit www.careers.jnj.com.