Our History

Founded in 1953 by Dr. Paul Janssen in Belgium as one of the first independent research laboratories, Janssen quickly became an important international development centre for ground-breaking medicines.

Dr. Paul had an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients and was involved in five of the 18 Janssen active ingredients that are now on the World Health Organisation (WHO) list of essential medicines.

We have since grown into one of the world’s top ten pharmaceutical companies, developing over eighty medicines that have saved or improved millions of lives.

In 1961, we became part of the Johnson & Johnson healthcare group, a global family of companies that are committed to constantly working towards a better life for people around the world.

Our Janssen footprint in Ireland has also expanded significantly over the years with two manufacturing sites located in Cork and a commercial operation in Dublin.

1953

Dr. Paul Janssen established Janssen Pharmaceutica, one of the first independent research laboratories in Beerse, Belgium.

1961

Janssen Pharmaceutica was acquired by Johnson & Johnson, bringing to the company Janssen’s strong capabilities in the growing field of pharmaceutical medicines. For Dr. Paul Janssen, the global reach of Johnson & Johnson would enable him and his colleagues to help more patients.

1981

Janssen Pharmaceuticals Sciences UC opens its first Irish manufacturing site in Little Island, Co Cork. The site produces bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients that are sold throughout the world for use in tablets, creams or injectables.

2004

The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical research is launched, recognising transformational contributions to human health.

2005

Janssen Sciences Ireland UC is established with the opening of a second manufacturing site in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. The site develops and produces innovative cancer treatments and biomedicines that treat immune-related diseases.

2014

Fortune magazine ranks Johnson & Johnson as the number one company in pharma on the World's Most Admired Companies list.

2016

Janssen in Cork becomes the first pharmaceutical manufacturing company to receive the Business Working Responsibly Mark. The Mark, developed by Business in the Community Ireland, audited by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is based on ISO 26000. It recognises Janssen Supply Chain’s commitment and activity towards creating responsible and sustainable business practices which have a positive impact on society.

2017

Johnson & Johnson relocates to a new office in Tallaght, south Dublin incorporating  Janssen Sciences Ireland UC’s commercial operations.

2019

A new €300m biomanufacturing plant is opened at Janssen’s site in Ringaskiddy, creating 200 new jobs. The cutting-edge facility is equipped with innovative solutions that advance how medicines are manufactured, further strengthening Janssen’s position at the vanguard of treating, preventing and curing some of the world’s most devastating diseases.

2022

A €150m investment in the biopharmaceutical facility in Ringaskiddy is announced with the potential to create 180 new full-time jobs. This expansion will add to the existing global manufacturing capacity, allowing the company to reach patients with crucial biomedicines faster.

CP-372101 | February 2023