Durham’s Patheon to buy SC drug manufacturer IRIX Pharmaceuticals | Raleigh News & Observer

Durham-based drug manufacturer Patheon said Wednesday it will buy a small South Carolina drug maker for an undisclosed price.

By acquiring IRIX Pharmaceuticals, Patheon will gain additional drug development and manufacturing capability in Florence and Greenville, S.C.

Patheon has more than 8,000 employees worldwide, including about 1,700 in North Carolina. In addition to its Durham headquarters, Patheon has manufacturing facilities in High Point and Greenville.

IRIX employs 180 people in South Carolina and none outside the state.

Patheon said last month it plans to add 488 jobs over five year at its Greenville site in this state, where it currently employs more than 1,000 workers. The company could receive more than $6.3 million in state incentives if it meets the the hiring targets.

Patheon is a division of privately held DPx holdings, also based in Durham.