2 min read - 18 Jun, 2026
Eisai to boost pharmaceutical capabilities with £48m Hatfield investment
Japanese life science firm Eisai is set to invest £48m in its manufacturing site in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, to help establish in-house capabilities for medicines requiring cold-chain management.
The investment is backed by the UK government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), and is subject to final agreement on terms and conditions.
The overall investment will help expand Eisai’s advanced manufacturing capabilities at its site in Hatfield, broadening its role beyond traditional oral solid dose operations to support the packaging and supply of temperature-controlled medicines for injection and infusion. Additionally, Eisai will be able to transition from reliance on external contract manufacturers to an in-house packaging model, enhancing supply stability and flexibility.
The investment includes facilities capable of handling temperature-controlled products, including the expansion of goods receipt and dispatch functions, construction of ambient and cold-chain warehouses, and installation of packaging buildings and packaging lines.
Backed by UK government funding, Eisai is set to invest £48m in Hatfield to boost in-house capabilities for medicines requiring cold-chain management.
Haruo Naito, chief executive officer at Eisai, said: “This strategic investment reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening resilient supply capabilities for our innovative medicines and pipeline products, while further deepening our long-standing relationship with the United Kingdom. We greatly value the opportunity to work collaboratively with the UK government in strengthening life sciences manufacturing and healthcare resilience for the future.”
Science Minister Lord Vallance added: “Building world-class manufacturing capabilities here in the UK will secure the supply of vital medicines, including treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, that can transform lives. Eisai’s government-backed investment will also support the creation of new skilled jobs in Hatfield and is another example of the benefits of international companies investing in the UK – bolstering our reputation as a life sciences hub while growing our economy.”
Through this investment, the Hatfield site will strengthen its role as a global manufacturing hub serving multiple regions, including Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition, enhanced production flexibility, capability for multi-language and small-batch packaging, and advanced quality management will support Eisai’s global supply network.
The LSIMF is designed to strengthen life sciences manufacturing capabilities in the UK and enhance supply resilience against future health emergencies.
