From the winding streets of its home city to the bustling corridors of hospitals in over 80 countries, Aerogen’s journey is a shining example of Galway innovation making a global impact.
Founded and headquartered in the city, Aerogen has grown from a pioneering medical device company into the undisputed global leader in acute care aerosol drug delivery. With 30 million customers and over 25 years of research, development, and patient-focused innovation, it continues to shape the future of respiratory medicine—both at home and abroad.
With 600 employees, this year Aerogen cemented its position as Ireland’s largest indigenous medtech company with the announcement of a €300 million transformational scaling plan, supported by Enterprise Ireland.
The plan will create 725 highly skilled jobs across Galway and Shannon, further anchoring the company in the West of Ireland. These new roles span R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and science—fields that not only support Aerogen’s rapid growth but also contribute significantly to Ireland’s regional economic development.
With over 1,100 of its projected 2,000 global employees to be based in Ireland, Aerogen is a cornerstone of the nation’s life sciences sector.
At the heart of Aerogen’s success lies its patented vibrating mesh technology—a sophisticated system that transforms liquid medications into fine aerosols, enabling the targeted treatment of patients with critical respiratory illnesses.
This innovation, embodied in devices like the Aerogen Solo, has become a gold standard in hospitals worldwide. With more than 300 international patents and over 300 associated clinical studies, Aerogen technology has treated over 30 million patients to date.
Aerogen’s rise is not just a tale of commercial success—it’s also a story of unwavering commitment to patient care. The company’s systems are used across emergency departments, intensive care units, general wards, and even in ambulances.
Their technology is renowned for its efficiency, safety, and ability to deliver life-saving medications to the lungs of the most vulnerable patients, from premature infants to elderly adults.
And Aerogen is not resting on its laurels. Its expansion into Japan marks a significant milestone in its strategy to grow across the Asia-Pacific (APAC ) region. Opening a new Tokyo office as its Japanese hub, Aerogen has committed to hiring up to 30 employees over five years to serve this rapidly aging population, where respiratory disease is an increasing concern.
This strategic move aligns with the updated 2022 guidelines from the Japanese Respiratory Society, which highlight the urgent need to address the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD ) in Japan.
Speaking at the EU-Japan Healthcare Conference ythis year, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke praised Aerogen’s investment in Japan as a milestone for Irish-Japanese relations, saying “Aerogen’s decision to further invest in Japan is a testament to the country’s rapidly advancing healthcare ecosystem.” The collaboration promises not just market growth but the cross-pollination of medical expertise between the two nations.
This commitment to global excellence has been supported by Enterprise Ireland, which recognises Aerogen as its largest client in the medtech sector. The partnership reflects a shared vision—to grow Irish-owned companies into global powerhouses. Last year alone, Aerogen contributed €130 million to local businesses in Ireland and is expected to generate a further €250 million in taxes over the next five years. These figures are not just metrics—they are a testament to the tangible impact Aerogen has on the Irish economy and beyond.
John Power, CEO and Founder of Aerogen, summed up the company’s ethos best: “We will continue to innovate across the respiratory journey for patients from our HQ here in Galway.” His words are a rallying cry for what Irish companies can achieve when bold innovation meets purpose-driven leadership.
In an increasingly complex global healthcare landscape, Aerogen’s story stands as proof that transformative ideas can begin in the west of Ireland and reach every corner of the globe.
Through its dedication to innovation, global expansion, and unwavering focus on patient outcomes, Aerogen is not just a Galway success story—it’s a world-class blueprint for medtech excellence.
