Nephron Pharmaceuticals has some big New Year’s resolutions for 2021: Create 380 new jobs, complete a massive expansion of its facilities and help provide COVID-19 vaccines to South Carolinians.
Nephron Pharmaceuticals celebrated its expansion with a beam raising ceremony in November 2020 | Photo provided
Here’s a by-the-numbers look at the West Columbia-based company’s expansion:
○ $215.8 million: Total cost of the expansion at Nephron Pharmaceuticals’ Saxe-Gotha Industrial Park campus ○ 110,000: Square footage of the vaccine production, chemotherapy and antibiotic wing expected to be operational in March ○ 240,000: Square footage of the new Kennedy Innovation Center (where Nephron’s recent beam raising ceremonywas held) ○ 5 million: How many vaccines – the first produced by Nephron – that President and CEO Lou Kennedy wants to see go to South Carolinians
The FDA authorized use of thePfizer-BioNTech+Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in December, and Nephron is gearing up to meet the needs of the community with their new vaccine production wing. (Miss our vaccine breakdown in yesterday’s newsletter? Read it here.) The company is actively looking for a vaccine production partner to provide the ammunition for the prefilled sterile syringes that make up its 503B Outsourcing Facility arm.
While there is anticipation of a medical-grade glass shortage due to high demand for the vaccine, Nephron has the ability to work around that. Says Lou Kennedy: “Our option will be to put the vaccine in plastic. We have the technology and the capability.”
Pro-tip: Follow Nephron on Facebook + Twitter for the latest updates on its expansion and vaccine production. We’re excited. Ⓟ
Coronavirus ○ Yesterday, Gov. Henry McMaster + SC DHEC announced that beginning tomorrow, Jan. 13, any resident 70 or older,regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Those who are eligible to receive the vaccine can make an appointment using this resource. (WIS) ○ The Paycheck Protection Programreopened yesterday for those that missed the last round of funding + specific current borrowers. The federal program is attempting to support small business by providing funding to cover 10 weeks of payroll to prevent layoffs and restaurants will also be eligible to apply for payroll coverage up to 15 weeks. (Post and Courier)
State ○ South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson released the 2020 annual report on Human Trafficking in South Carolina and Richland County is in the top five counties with the highest reports. Last year 139 caseswere reported, with the most coming from Horry County. View the rest of the report + more information on the task forcehere. (WACH Fox)
Cause ○ Central Carolina Community Foundationis accepting applications for the annual scholarship program. This year, 175+ scholarship opportunities are available, totaling over $500,000. Scholarship applications are now open and interested students should complete the online application by March 5, which can be done here.
Biz ○ Richland Libraryis offeringcareer coaching to residents seeking assistance with career development,including building resumes, new job interviews, networking, online applications + more. Over 30 career coaches available by appointmentonline or by phone at 803-939-3400. (Cola Daily)
Number ○ $600,000. The amount that the former historic doctors office in Lexingtonsold for to a group of private investors. The 100+ year old building, located at 401 W. Main St., Lexington, is built on 3.5 acres. The plans for the property have not been shared. (Post and Courier)
WaterCooler ○ Dutch Fork High School alum Tyler Bass set a NFL playoff recordfor a rookie kicker as he helped the Buffalo Billswin an NFL playoff game for the first time in 25+ years. Bass helped the Bills defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 27-24, with a 54-yard field goal.(WACH Fox)
Development ○A Charlotte-based development + acquisition company is developing a 196,560 square-foot industrial building in the Carolina Pines Industrial Park in Blythewood. Collet Industrial plans to transform the space to accommodate tenants for distribution or manufacturing,including 32-foot clear heights, 63 trailer parking spaces, 42 dock-high doors, and LED lighting. The development is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2021.(CRBR)
Announced ○ If you’re in the Lake Murray area, Dominion Energy will conduct a three minute siren testtoday at noon.
Finance ○ This no annual fee, cashback credit card has a $200 bonus offer and 3% cash back on the category of your choice – like online shopping, dining or travel. 0% interest for 12 months. Learn more. Ⓟ
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
The shop offers green, black or oolong tea options that are only 24 calories + meal replacement shakes that deliver 24-27 grams of protein in under 250 calories. Head on over to their Instagram page to see for yourself. What are you sippin’ on first?
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TryThis ○ Virtual Trivia Night | Tues., Jan. 12 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Virtual | $4+ | Test your art smarts for general trivia on topics and themes emerging from the CMA collection. Prizes for the top three teams, the most creative team name and more. 🎨
Edu ○ Breakfast Meeting: Preparing Our Future Workforce | Tues., Jan. 12 | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Radius Church | $10 | Join the Lexington Chamber and Visitor Center to spotlight their education partners and plans to prepare students for college. Must RSVP to attend and masks are required. 📚
ForKids ○ Virtual Crafty Jammies Night – Curious George | Tues., Jan. 12 | 7-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free, registration required | Join the SC State Museum the second Tuesday of each month for virtual story + craft time with a special appearance by one curious monkey. 🐒
Play ○ American Legion Bingo | Tues., Jan. 12 | 5:30-9 p.m. | The Ole Oak Barn Wedding and Event Venue | $3+ | Test your luck to start off 2021 by winning some extra cash. $3 cover charge, plus $20 for 13 rounds of Bingo. 🎉
Health ○ MEN ONLY – Yoga for Beginners 6-week Series | Tues., Jan. 12 – Feb. 16 | 7-8 p.m. | Palmetto Yoga and Reiki Center | $157 | Men who have been curious about yoga but didn’t know where to start can now spend Tuesdays strengthening their bodies and minds. 🧘♂️
PlanAhead ○ Let’s Talk Influencer Marketing | Wed., Jan. 13 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual | Free, Register | Presented by Infinity Marketing, this webinar focuses on the benefits of influencer marketing and how to identify potential influencers for your brand. Speakers include Shannon Kohn, Social Media Strategist, and Kendall Nicholson, Senior Media Specialist.Ⓟ ○ Sip + Paint with Ija Monet| Tues., Jan. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Main Course, 1626 Main Street | $30 | The Immersion SC artist will be leading the class with paint materials + 2 drinks from the specialty menu included. Ⓟ
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
Answered: Yesterday, we asked if you were planning to get the COVID-19 vaccine or already had been vaccinated. Approx. 75% of you responded you were planning to get vaccinated while another ~7% said they’ve already gotten the shot.
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