The Swiss generics group Sandoz has laid the foundation stone for a new biosimilars development centre in Ljubljana. Slated for completion in 2026, the US$90 million investment will create around 200 jobs.

The new centre will be Sandoz's main hub for a comprehensive development of biosimilars, the group's chairman Gilbert Ghostine told the ceremony in Ljubljana on 19 April.

The 9,500-square-metre centre will accommodate the entire development process, from the development of active ingredients to the final products.

The new investment follows after Sandoz began the construction of a high-tech biosimilars production plant in Lendava, NE, in December 2023. The construction of both centres is expected to be completed in 2026.

The two facilities will increase access to biosimilars for healthcare systems and patients. "With the investments Slovenia will solidify its position among the leading countries in Europe in pharmaceutics and biotechnology," Robert Ljoljo, CEO of Lek and Sandoz Slovenia president, said.

The centre in Lendava is valued at US$400 million and will create 330 jobs. Meanwhile, Sandoz has already hired 83 of the 200 experts to be employed at the Ljubljana development centre.

The centre will strengthen Sandoz's global development network and will work closely with a biosimilars development centre in Holzkirchen, Germany, and other partners.

The investment was hailed by European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton, who is visiting Slovenia, and Prime Minister Robert Golob, both of whom attended the ceremony.

Golob pledged for the government to continue to work to increase funds for research and development, to ensure a stable business environment and to attract talent. "In the fight for talent, especially young talent, we will have to do more as a country, especially in terms of taxes," he added.