sl flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by STA.

Brussels approves state aid of several tens of millions for Lek’s investment in Lendava

by AI | 16.Dec 2024 | Europe in brief AI

In the northeast of Slovenia, the pharmaceutical company Lek is building a high-tech center for the production of similar biological medicines, the European Commission has given the green light to state support of more than 50 million euros.

Pharmaceutical company Lek is building a new facility in Lendava, thereby strengthening production capacities in Slovenia. Photo: Nebojša Tejić /STA

“`html

Brussels – The European Commission approved on Friday state aid worth 52 million euros for an investment by the pharmaceutical company Lek, which belongs to the Swiss group Sandoz, in a high-tech center for the production of biosimilar medicines in Lendava. Lek is already building the center in the far northeast of the country, and the investment was estimated at 400 million dollars when it was announced.

The Lendava manufacturing center is expected to offer 330 new jobs, and along with the biosimilar drugs development center that Sandoz is building in Ljubljana, it is expected to increase access to biosimilar medicines for healthcare systems and patients, according to the Slovenian company.

As reported from Brussels on Friday, Lek’s investment in Lendava will contribute to the EU’s strategic goals in terms of creating new jobs and balanced regional development, while also contributing to the union’s goals of greater drug accessibility. The Commission highlights that the investment will have a positive impact on employment, development, and competitiveness of Pomurje as a less developed area of Slovenia.

This is currently the largest direct foreign investment in the country and the largest in Lek’s history. The new center is expected to be operational by the end of 2026. (December 13)

“`