A Hauppauge-based drug company is expected to bring hundreds of much-needed jobs to the Island.

Ascent Pharmaceuticals just closed on a building in Central Islip and is spending $39 million to refit it for special lab spaces, drug manufacturing and packaging. The renovation will create 150 construction jobs.

Once Ascent gets the Food and Drug Administration's approval, the company is pledging to add 350 jobs over the next five years.

Construction on the site will start as soon as the Town of Islip grants building permits.