The Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre works with the pharmaceutical industry to develop new drugs tackling conditions such as osteoarthritis and urinary incontinence.

The Centre, which has already secured €7.5 million in funding, is due to submit two patent applications in the first quarter of this year.

It is one of 17 Enterprise Ireland-designated 'Applied Research Enhancement Centres' and works on commercialising technologies developed at Dundalk's Smooth Muscle Research Centre.

Enterprise Ireland has contributed n2m in funding for the development of chemistry and molecular biology facilities at the centre.

The funding allowed a team of almost 20 scientists to develop novel drug molecules, optimise sophisticated imaging equipment for industry and support the commercial development of drugs for human and animal consumption.

"The Centre's work is part of a huge global industry and one that Ireland has a solid reputation in. Considerable potential exists for further development of this Centre to support industry in real and meaningful ways," said Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre Manager Dr Mary Earle.

According to Enterprise Ireland Regional Director Conor Fahy, the launch of the Centre is highly significant, not only for the border region but for the wider Irish economy.

DkIT Head of Research Dr Timothy McCormac added: "The Institute's researchers have secured more than €25m of research funding in recent years from national and international sources with nearly a quarter of this underpinning research commercialisation activities.

"The establishment of the Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre is further evidence that the research undertaken by this Institute's talented pool of researchers is ensuring we play our part in underpinning Ireland's Smart Economy, which is key to the country's economic revival".

The Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre works with the pharmaceutical industry to develop new drugs tackling conditions such as osteoarthritis and urinary incontinence.

The Centre, which has already secured €7.5 million in funding, is due to submit two patent applications in the first quarter of this year.

It is one of 17 Enterprise Ireland-designated 'Applied Research Enhancement Centres' and works on commercialising technologies developed at Dundalk's Smooth Muscle Research Centre.

Enterprise Ireland has contributed n2m in funding for the development of chemistry and molecular biology facilities at the centre.

The funding allowed a team of almost 20 scientists to develop novel drug molecules, optimise sophisticated imaging equipment for industry and support the commercial development of drugs for human and animal consumption.

"The Centre's work is part of a huge global industry and one that Ireland has a solid reputation in. Considerable potential exists for further development of this Centre to support industry in real and meaningful ways," said Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre Manager Dr Mary Earle.

According to Enterprise Ireland Regional Director Conor Fahy, the launch of the Centre is highly significant, not only for the border region but for the wider Irish economy.

DkIT Head of Research Dr Timothy McCormac added: "The Institute's researchers have secured more than €25m of research funding in recent years from national and international sources with nearly a quarter of this underpinning research commercialisation activities.

"The establishment of the Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre is further evidence that the research undertaken by this Institute's talented pool of researchers is ensuring we play our part in underpinning Ireland's Smart Economy, which is key to the country's economic revival".

The Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre works with the pharmaceutical industry to develop new drugs tackling conditions such as osteoarthritis and urinary incontinence.

The Centre, which has already secured €7.5 million in funding, is due to submit two patent applications in the first quarter of this year.

It is one of 17 Enterprise Ireland-designated 'Applied Research Enhancement Centres' and works on commercialising technologies developed at Dundalk's Smooth Muscle Research Centre.

Enterprise Ireland has contributed n2m in funding for the development of chemistry and molecular biology facilities at the centre.

The funding allowed a team of almost 20 scientists to develop novel drug molecules, optimise sophisticated imaging equipment for industry and support the commercial development of drugs for human and animal consumption.

"The Centre's work is part of a huge global industry and one that Ireland has a solid reputation in. Considerable potential exists for further development of this Centre to support industry in real and meaningful ways," said Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre Manager Dr Mary Earle.

According to Enterprise Ireland Regional Director Conor Fahy, the launch of the Centre is highly significant, not only for the border region but for the wider Irish economy.

DkIT Head of Research Dr Timothy McCormac added: "The Institute's researchers have secured more than €25m of research funding in recent years from national and international sources with nearly a quarter of this underpinning research commercialisation activities.

"The establishment of the Ion Channel Biotechnology Centre is further evidence that the research undertaken by this Institute's talented pool of researchers is ensuring we play our part in underpinning Ireland's Smart Economy, which is key to the country's economic revival".