John Hennessey
Hi, I’m John! I’m from County Limerick. I am currently in my final year of Post-Primary Science Education at the University of Limerick. My subject specialisms are Biology, Physics and Science.
I wanted to gain hands on experience working in a STEM related industry. I believe it can be very beneficial for teachers as it is a great opportunity to link what they learn in the classroom with real workplace problems.
During my time at Astellas, I worked with the Quality Control Lab Analyst team. My role was to carry out analysis and inspections of the physical raw materials that are used in production to produce life-saving anti-rejection medication. I also learned a lot about organ transplants and the current medications that are available for people with organ transplants and how these medications work to prevent organ rejection. I will be able to take what I have learned and use this in the classroom when talking about a variety of organ systems and also when discussing how the chemical reactions from different medications interact with the body.
The Kerry manufacturing plant is based in Killorglin, Co Kerry on the banks of the river Laune. Killorglin is on the famous Ring of Kerry and the beauty of this area attracts visitors from all over the world and is also an amazing place to live.
The plant was established (originally as Fujisawa) in 1990. This manufacturing site formulates an immunosuppressant called Prograf. This is one of Astellas Pharma Inc’s most important and innovative drugs, using the latest encapsulation, ampoule filling and packaging technology which is used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. Worldwide distribution is from Killorglin. In addition, the first bio product, Padcev, will be finished, packaged, and distributed worldwide from the Kerry plant.
The Kerry plant is recognised as an industry leader for energy management and energy efficient design. In keeping with the beautiful environment that we live and work in we have embraced environment friendly technologies and constantly push the green energy sustainability targets through the use of wind turbine, biomass, PV panels and food digester. At our Kerry plant, we live the Astellas Way, and our values of patient focus, ownership, results, openness and integrity are the foundation of our culture, guiding all of our actions.
Astellas is also working to embrace the next generation work place of the future and we are committed to safety, quality and compliance in everything we do.
